Council approves retroactive SUP for Olympus EV chargers with remote power‑shutoff boxes, 6-1

Council approved a retroactive specific‑use permit for six dual‑port EV charging stations installed at the Olympus Town Center apartment complex earlier this year, adding a requirement that the applicant install Knox remote power‑shutoff boxes at the charger locations.

A resident and public commenter, who had photographed local chargers earlier in the year, raised questions about plan review, penalties for installing equipment without an SUP and whether a remote shutoff was included. The P&Z commission had recommended approval with a note to include a remote shutoff; council members pressed staff and the applicant for consistency with prior approvals (Tom Thumb) and for an explicit safety mechanism.

A SiteLogic representative participating by Zoom said the company had not been aware that council SUP approval was required prior to installation and that the firm had electrical permit approvals in hand; she committed to install Knox boxes "within about a 10‑day period" if council approved. Councilmember Brennan moved to approve the SUP amended to require Knox remote power boxes at each of the three charger locations (one Knox unit per charger grouping), and Councilman Will seconded. The motion passed 6‑1.

Council discussion noted the importance of consistent, clearly documented safety measures for EV infrastructure and asked staff to ensure the Knox installations are completed quickly and inspected.