New rules in the works for electric vehicle charging stations in Austin

Ambitious Climate Goals Prompt New Regulations for EV Charging

New land use regulations governing the locations of public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations are in development in Austin. The proposed rules were introduced at a recent City Council meeting as part of Aurora’s significant climate protection initiatives that aim to achieve net-zero communitywide greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.

According to the city’s Climate Equity Plan, by 2030, Austin should boast “a compelling and equitably distributed mix of level 1, 2, and DC fast charging infrastructure to accommodate 40 percent of total vehicle miles traveled in the city. The anticipated 226 megawatt electrical load could translate to over 37,000 charging ports,” said Eric Thomas, the zoning division manager with the Planning Department.

Rapid Transition to EVs

With the rapid transition to electric vehicles, there is a need for a principal land use for EV charging that balances environmental benefits with land use considerations. The city’s fleet currently comprises 337 battery electric vehicles (BEVs), or roughly 6.79% of the total on-road fleet.

Austin Energy currently operates more than 1,500 level-two charging ports and 30 DC Fast Chargers in the Austin area. However, its planners are keen to avoid the concentration of these stations within residential areas, proposing specific regulations for EV charging stations to be considered a principal, rather than an accessory, use.

Proposed Regulations

The proposed regulations would permit EV charging stations at existing gas stations and discontinued gas stations, provided the site’s subsequent use does not include a restaurant or residential application. Permitted or allowed as a conditional use on sites zoned for commercial services, liquor sales, properties adjoining highways, industrial sites, and research and development, the draft ordinance holds its intent clear.

City staff also proposes a thousand-foot distance be maintained between each commercial EV charging station. Additionally, charging stations should be restricted to sites of 25,000 square feet or less, with at least one side of the property facing a variety of roadways.

Company Feedback

However, not everyone agrees with the proposed regulations. Amira Streeter from Voltera, a company that builds and operates electric vehicle charging facilities, voiced concerns around the distance requirements and square footage restrictions. She suggested removing or significantly reducing the 1,000-foot limit between sites and increasing the square footage restriction to 50,000 square feet. Voltera believes these changes would allow for more flexibility while preserving density.

Looking Ahead

The Development Services Department spokesperson confirmed that two requests for new EV charging stations under commercial off-street parking regulations are underway. Future applicants will likely have to comply with the upcoming, revised regulations.

The City Council will not consider the new rules until May 16, but it’s clear that the City of Austin is making serious strides in its mission to become a pioneer in sustainable transportation and thoughtful land use planning.