21.40.030 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations.
A. Electric vehicle charging station.
1. An electric vehicle charging station equipped with Level 1 or Level 2 charging equipment is permitted outright in all zones as an accessory use to any principal use.
2. Electric vehicle charging stations are reserved for charging of electric vehicles only.
3. Electric vehicles may be parked in any space designated for public parking, subject to restrictions that would apply to any other vehicle that would park in that space.
4. No person shall park or stand any nonelectric vehicle in a designated electric vehicle charging station space. Any nonelectric vehicle is subject to fine or removal.
5. Appropriate signs and marking shall be placed in and around electric vehicle charging station spaces, indicating prominently thereon the parking regulations. Signage shall define time limits and hours of operation, as applicable, shall state that the parking space is reserved for charging electric vehicles, and that an electric vehicle may only park in the space for charging purposes. Violators are subject to fine and/or removal of their vehicle.
B. Electric Vehicle Charging Station Space. For all parking lots or garages except those that include restricted vehicle charging stations.
1. Number. No minimum number of charging spaces is required.
2. Minimum Parking Requirements. When provided, spaces shall be standard stall size. An electric vehicle charging station space may be included in the calculation for minimum required parking spaces that are required pursuant to other provisions of code.
3. Location and Design Criteria. The provision of electric vehicle charging station space will vary based on the design and use of the primary parking lot. The following required and additional locational design criteria are provided in recognition of various parking lot layout options.
a. Where provided, parking for electric vehicle charging purposes is required to include the following:
i. Signage. Each charging station space shall be posted with signage indicating the space is only for electric vehicle charging purposes. Days and hours of operations shall be included if time limits or tow away provisions are to be enforced.
ii. Maintenance. Charging station equipment shall be maintained in all respects, including the functioning of the charging equipment. A phone number or other contact information shall be provided on the charging station equipment for reporting when the equipment is not functioning or other problems are encountered.
iii. Accessibility. Where charging station equipment is provided within an adjacent pedestrian circulation area, such as sidewalk or accessible route to the building entrance, the charging equipment shall be located so as not to interfere with accessibility requirements of WAC 51-50-005.
iv. Lighting. Where charging equipment is installed, adequate site lighting shall exist, unless charging is for daytime purposes only.
b. Parking for electric vehicles should also consider the following:
i. Notification. Information on the charging station, identifying voltage and amperage levels, and any time of use, fees, or safety information.
ii. Signage. Installation of directional signs at the parking lot entrance and at appropriate decision points to effectively guide motorists to the charging station space(s).
c. Data Collection. To allow for maintenance and notification, the City requires the owners of any private new vehicle infrastructure station that will be publicly available to provide information on the station’s geographic location, date of installation, equipment type and model, and owner contact information.