Commission discusses whether to require or incentivize EV charging in future zoning decisions

During new business on Nov. 13, commissioners debated whether the Planning Commission should consider requiring or incentivizing electric-vehicle (EV) or alternative-fuel infrastructure at gas stations and other businesses as the city transitions its transportation infrastructure.

One commissioner asked whether the commission should "be looking to induce, you know, more of a transition or support the transition, whether it's to, like, EV infrastructure or hydrogen infrastructure or some other alternative." Other commissioners cautioned that gas stations can be short-stay locations and that charging is often better placed where vehicles park for longer periods, such as grocery stores, hotels or public parking lots.

A commissioner noted existing moves by the city and partners: "We're adding 4 charging stations in the Chamber parking lot across from the Delta and 4 on Webster, between 2nd and 3rd in front of the museum and library," and said more chargers were planned near the beach. Commissioners discussed incentives through zoning rather than immediate mandates.

No formal action was taken; commissioners asked staff to consider the topic further and to continue master-plan and goal-setting work that could inform future policy.