Sustainability committee backs EV-charging requirements for new homes, sends recommendation to council

The Farmers Branch Sustainability Committee voted to recommend an ordinance that would require new residential construction to include infrastructure to support electric-vehicle charging.

In a presentation, a city sustainability staff member described three tiers from International Code Council model language: “EV Capable,” which ensures electric-panel capacity and conduit to add a future charger; “EV Ready,” which includes conduit and a 240-volt outlet; and “EV Installed,” which places a level‑2 charger during construction. The presenter said most charging — about 80% — happens at home and argued that installing capacity during new construction is substantially cheaper than retrofitting later.

The committee discussed likely community reaction and cost concerns. Staff reported meetings with local homebuilders and said those builders have begun to offer EV-ready features; committee members also noted that Farmers Branch is largely built out, limiting near-term impact but pointing out the city’s demo‑rebuild incentives could increase new‑build activity. Staff emphasized the ordinance targets new construction only and that commercial buildings were left out after committee feedback about economic burden for certain businesses.

After public questions and discussion, a motion to recommend the EV-charging ordinance as presented was made, seconded and approved by voice vote; the committee did not record a roll-call tally. Staff said the recommendation will be presented in a City Council study session next Tuesday for council feedback and possible direction to place the ordinance on a future council agenda.

Why it matters: the measure is intended to reduce barriers to EV adoption by lowering the cost of future charger installation, which proponents say can reduce vehicle emissions in the Dallas–Fort Worth region.

What the committee heard: the presenter said the ordinance is based on ICC model code and that the residential approach requires one EV-ready space per single‑ or two‑family dwelling and a percentage of EV-capable or installed spaces in multifamily developments. Commercial projects were omitted from the requirement after committee input.

Next steps: staff will present the committee recommendation to City Council at a study session; council feedback will determine whether the ordinance returns for formal council action.

Representative quote: the presenter said, “EV Capable is the cheapest…that basically ensures that there’s electric panel capacity and a circuit that can add on, you know, conduit and a charger in the future,” explaining the tiered approach to reduce retrofit costs.

Ending: The committee approved the recommendation by voice vote and forwarded the item for council review; the City Council study session will be the next formal opportunity for public comment and council direction.