To conduct a review of local level EV charging station codes and ordinances–to include jurisdictions in metropolitan Washington and leaders across the country–for the purpose of using this information to propose EV charging station codes and ordinances for Frederick County, Maryland.
The Maryland 2030 Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act Plan calls for a reduction in greenhouse gases (GHG) of 60% from 2006 levels by 2031. The transportation sector is substantial source of GHG emissions. The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) estimates to achieve a 50% reduction in transportation sector GHG emissions by 2030, from a 2005 base, 34% of vehicles on the road will need to be electric vehicles (EVs). Consumer acceptance of EVs is largely driven by the vehicle cost and access to Level 2 chargers and Direct Current Fast Chargers (DCFCs). Charging station infrastructure is primarily located in affluent locations within the state. With the passage of House Bill 830 (HB830) this past year, access to charging stations will become even more concentrated in affluent communities within Maryland as this bill requires all newly constructed or renovated housing units having a driveway to include an Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE)-installed or Electric Vehicle (EV)-ready parking space.
Lack of access to EVSE-installed parking spaces around multifamily dwelling buildings presents a barrier to the adoption of EVs and disproportionately affects low income and environmental justice communities. In such cases, EV owners are reliant on chargers located in commercial or workplace locations. Similarly, single family units that lack driveways, carports or garages make residential charging of EVs difficult. In this case, some jurisdictions have altered ordinances to allow for installation of charging infrastructure in public right of way lands abutting private residences. Frederick County sees strengthening EV-ready building codes and the development of supportive parking and zoning ordinances as ways to support the transition to EVs. To address equity and access issues, there is a need to investigate codes from other jurisdictions that are focused on promoting charger access.
In order to sustain demand for EVs and to address systematic inequities in access to Level 2 chargers and DCFCs, these chargers need to be located in close proximity to new and existing multifamily residential buildings, and within commercial and industrial developments. Frederick County has identified strengthening EV-ready building codes and the development of supportive parking and zoning ordinances as ways to support the transition to EVs. The County seeks to learn what codes and ordinances exist in other jurisdictions before moving forward with the possible creation or alteration of codes and ordinances for Frederick County.
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