Commerce Municipal Code Ch. 15.13 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Footnotes:

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Editor's note— Ord. No. 826, § 3(Exh. A), adopted Nov. 25, 2025, repealed the former Ch. 15.13, §§ 15.13.010—15.13.040, and enacted a new Ch. 15.13 as set out herein. The former Ch. 15.13 pertained to existing building code and derived from Ord. No. 757, § 3(Exh. A), adopted Dec. 17, 2019; Ord. No. 758, § 2(Exh. A), adopted Dec. 17, 2019; Ord. No. 747, § 2(Exh. A), adopted Dec. 17, 2019; and Ord. No. 803, § 3(Exh. A), adopted Dec. 13, 2022.

The purpose of this chapter is to establish an expedited, streamlined electric vehicle charging stations permitting process to achieve timely and cost-effective installations of electric vehicle charging stations, and, to promote and encourage the use of electric vehicle charging stations and to limit obstacles to their use.

This chapter applies to the permitting of all electric vehicle charging stations in the city. Electric vehicle charging stations legally established or permitted prior to the effective date of this chapter are not subject to the requirements of this chapter unless physical modifications or alterations are undertaken that materially change the size, type, or components of the electric vehicle charging stations in such a way as to require new permitting. Routine operation and maintenance shall not require a permit.

(Ord. No. 826, § 3(Exh. A), 11-25-2025)

For the purpose of this article, words and terms used in this article shall have the meanings set forth in this section. Where terms are not defined in this section and are defined elsewhere in this code, or the building code, such terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them in such codes. Where terms are not defined through the methods authorized by this section, such terms shall have their ordinary accepted meanings such as the context implies.

"Electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE)" or "electric vehicle charging station." Consists of the conductors, including the ungrounded, grounded, and equipment grounding conductors and the electric vehicle connectors, attachment plugs, and all other fittings, devices, power outlets, or apparatus installed specifically for the purpose of transferring energy between the premises wiring and the electric vehicle.

(Ord. No. 826, § 3(Exh. A), 11-25-2025)

The application for permit shall meet the requirements of Sections 15.07.010 and may be submitted electronically through the online submittal system maintained by the building official.

Prior to applying for an expedited permit, the applicant shall verify that the installation meets all criteria in Section 15.13.050. Upon receipt of an incomplete application, a written correction notice shall be issued detailing all deficiencies in the application and any additional information required to be eligible for expedited permit issuance.

Upon approval of a permit application by the building official, a permit, as applicable, will be issued for work described in the application.

Permit fees for the installation of electric vehicle charging stations or EVSEs shall be charged according to the applicable fees prescribed in Section 15.08.030 of this code, or if a different fee has been adopted by resolution of the city council.

(Ord. No. 826, § 3(Exh. A), 11-25-2025)

1. General. The design of electric vehicle charging stations shall comply with this section to qualify for expedited permit issuance.

2. Plug-in Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Permitting Checklist. The permit application for the electric vehicle charging stations must comply with the requirements of the plug-in electric vehicle infrastructure permitting checklist, which is contained in the most current version of the "Zero-Emission Vehicles in California: Community Readiness Guidebook" published by the Governor's Office of Planning and Research of the State of California and as adopted by the building official.

3. Minimum Electric Vehicle Charging Station Standards. The electric vehicle charging station or EVSE shall be identified and listed for the application as referenced in the electrical code.

4. Compliance with Laws. The electric vehicle charging station or EVSE shall also comply with all other applicable City of Commerce Codes and California Health and Safety Laws.

(Ord. No. 826, § 3(Exh. A), 11-25-2025)

All construction or work for electric vehicle charging stations for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection by the building official and such construction work shall remain accessible and exposed for inspection purposes until approved by the building official as specified in Section 15.07.010 Building Code Administration.

(Ord. No. 826, § 3(Exh. A), 11-25-2025)