Plain English Breakdown
The official text contains some formatting errors (e.g., 'commercial a level 2 electric vehicle charging stations') that make it unclear exactly which commercial chargers fall under the specific $500 cap versus general rules, though the intent appears to cover Level 2 and multifamily installations.
Limits on Permit Fees for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
This law sets maximum prices that cities and counties can charge to issue permits for installing electric vehicle charging stations.
What This Bill Does
- Sets a fee cap of $100 plus $15 per kilowatt above 15kW for residential EV charging station permits until January 1, 2036.
- Sets a fee cap of $500 plus specific rates based on size for commercial or multifamily housing EV charging station permits until January 1, 2036.
- Allows local governments to charge more than these caps only if they provide substantial evidence showing the actual cost is higher and adopt an official resolution or ordinance.
- Makes the rules start on July 1, 2027 for most cities and counties with populations of 200,000 or more.
- Delays the start date to January 1, 2028 for smaller cities and counties with fewer than 200,000 residents.
Who It Names or Affects
- Cities, counties, city-counties, and charter cities that issue building permits.
- Homeowners installing electric vehicle charging stations at their residences.
- Businesses or developers installing commercial EV chargers or those in multifamily housing buildings.
Terms To Know
- Permit fee
- The money a local government charges to approve the installation of equipment like an electric vehicle charger.
- Kilowatt (kW)
- A unit used to measure how much power or electricity a charging station can deliver at one time.
- Charter city
- A type of city in California that has its own special rules and powers, which this law still applies to because it addresses a matter of statewide concern.
Limits and Unknowns
- The bill states that no state reimbursement is required for the costs local agencies face from these new duties.
- Local agencies can charge more than the set caps if they provide substantial evidence, but the exact process details are found in other laws.