Electric Vehicle Charging

Click here to open a PDF version of this tip sheet.

The Tacoma Municipal Code includes specific requirements to plan for and accommodate an adequate supply of electric vehicle parking and charging facilities.

BENEFITS OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES

  • Reduced operating costs (25% of gasoline costs)
  • Limited maintenance requirements
  • No oil changes, spark plugs, exhaust systems or emissions testing
  • Reduced carbon emissions
  • Improved air quality
  • Improved public health

INSTALLED CHARGING STATIONS
These spaces will consist of a dedicated 40-ampere, 20/240-volt dedicated branch circuit, raceways, and all other electric vehicle charging equipment. The branch circuit shall be identified for electric vehicle service in the service panel or subpanel directory.

FUTURE OR EV READY SPACES
Electric panel capacity and future electric vehicle charging spaces should support a minimum 208/240 volt 40-ampere branch circuit for each EV ready parking space. The branch circuit needs to be identified as “EV Ready” in the service panel or subpanel directory.

Raceways should be installed for any portion of the pathway located below slabs, below grade, or within floor, wall or roof assemblies, and should terminate at a point close to the proposed location of the electric vehicle charging space. The raceways need to be permanently and visibly marked as “EV Ready.” Where future electric vehicle charging spaces are located within exterior on-grade parking spaces that are more than four (4) feet from a building, the raceways should be extended either below grade to a pull box, or stubbed out above grade with protection from vehicles by a curb or other device.

Marked pathways and capped sleeves are permitted in lieu of surface-mounted raceway.  Locations should also be indicated on the electrical plans

ELECTRICAL ROOM
Electrical room(s) serving areas with electric vehicle charging parking spaces should be designed to accommodate the electrical equipment and distribution required to serve a minimum of 20 percent of the total parking spaces with 208/240 volt 40-ampere electric vehicle charging infrastructure.


A Level 2 Charging station in a commercial location

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Sites with electric charging stations are required to include the following:

  • Signage – signage posted indicating the space is only for electric vehicle charging purposes, including the days and hours of operation if time limits or tow away provisions are to be enforced. Wayfinding signage should be provided where EV parking is provided in multi-level parking garages.
  • Accessibility – a minimum of one accessible parking space is to be served by electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The electric vehicle charging infrastructure may also serve adjacent parking spaces not designated as accessible parking.

ELECTRIC VEHICLE PARKING QUANTITY REQUIREMENTS
The requirements listed in the Tacoma Municipal Code apply to the construction of new buildings, and building additions that require 10 or more new or additional parking spaces. Where parking spaces serve buildings with multiple occupancies or uses, or serve multiple buildings with different occupancies or uses, the occupancy use that provides the greatest number of electric vehicle spaces with charging stations and/or infrastructure will be used.

Table 1: Required Electric Vehicle Parking Quantities
Occupancy Group and Use Thresholds applied for electric vehicle stalls served by stations and infrastructure Parking spaces to be served by an installed electric vehicle charging station Parking spaces served by electric vehicle charging infrastructure only
Group R-1 – Hotel/Motel Only Applies to all. 3% of new parking provided. 7% raceway AND 20% electrical room capacity.
Group R-2 Multi-family Where 10 or more parking spaces, and/or 10 or more dwelling or sleeping units are provided. None 20% raceway AND 20% electrical room capacity.
Group B – Adult Education Where the building area is 12,000 sq. ft. or greater. 3% of new parking provided, up to 6 spaces. 7% raceway AND 20% electrical room capacity.
Group B – Other than Adult Education Where 6 or more parking spaces are provided. 3% of new parking provided, up to 6 spaces. 7% raceway AND 20% electrical room capacity.
Group I -Institutional Where the building area is 12,000 sq. ft. or greater. 3% of new parking provided, up to 6 spaces. 7% raceway AND 20% electrical room capacity.
Group M -Mercantile Where the building area is 15,000 sq. ft. or greater. 1% of new parking provided, up to 8 spaces. 9% raceway AND 20% electrical room capacity.
Group A – Assembly Where 6 or more parking spaces are provided. 1% of new parking provided, up to 12 spaces. 9% raceway AND 20% electrical room capacity.

RESOURCES

Translate »