Legislative History: The City Commission approved this item on first reading at the May 5, 2021 meeting by a vote of 5-0. The Commission instructed staff to update the proposed ordinance prior to second reading.
During first reading (minutes attached), the Commission discussed the item and directed staff to consider the following updates to the ordinance:
1. Increase the required amount of parking spaces with charging stations in new multi-family and mixed use residential developments from five percent to ten percent.
2. Address residential developments that would not have garages or indoor areas for charging stations.
3. Accommodate residential developments with limited parking availability.
4. Discussion with building industry and Electrical permit staff for guidance.
5. Incentives for installation.
6. Consider timeline for implementation.
Issue Statement: In order to accommodate the increasing utilization of electric vehicles, regulations requiring electric vehicle charging infrastructure for newly constructed residential properties are proposed to benefit the environment and the City of Oakland Park.
Recommended Action: The City Commission conduct a public hearing and thereafter adopt the Ordinance on Second Reading to require electric vehicle charging infrastructure at new single-family, two-family and townhouse residential and electric vehicle charging infrastructure and charging stations at new multi-family and mixed-use residential projects.
Background: On March 3, 2021, The City Commission reached consensus directing staff to bring forward a revision to Chapter 24, Land Development Code to include a building code requirement for 220 electrical outlets in new construction in the garage or carport for electric vehicles.
Since that meeting, staff has consulted with, and received further information from the Building and Engineering Department's Electrical Subcode Official and from construction companies currently building in Oakland Park.
Level 1 charging uses typical residential 120 volt, 15 amp infrastructure, which facilitates 'slow charging,' providing 3-5 miles of driving distance per hour of charge. Building codes already require a standard outlet receptacle in all residential garages.
Level 2 charging uses a minimum of 208 volts (typically 240 volts) and a minimum of 30 amps to provide 12 to 80 miles of driving distance per hour of charge. This level of infrastructure is similar to that required for large household appliances such as electric stoves, central air conditioning units, clothes dryers, and water heaters. This is the requirement for residential units as proposed with this ordinance.
Level 3 charging Typically uses 480 volts and 100 amps or more to provide 180 or more miles of driving distance per hour of charge. This level of infrastructure requires specialized infrastructure and equipment. Often these are operated as commercial enterprises but may also operate at high volume locations.
Planning and Zoning Board: At the Planning and Zoning Board’s meeting of April 12, 2021, the proposed zoning text amendment was presented at a public hearing. The Planning and Zoning Board took an action by a vote of 4-0 to recommend approval of the Ordinance, with the added recommendation that City staff consider an additional text amendment in the future requiring electric vehicle charging stations at commercial business and city-owned facilities as well at any new development. The approved minutes from this meeting are attached.