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HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 8028 City of Palo Alto (ID # 8028) City Council Staff Report Report Type: Consent Calendar Meeting Date: 6/12/2017 City of Palo Alto Page 1 Summary Title: AB 1236 - Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Title: Adoption of an Ordinance Requiring Expedited Permitting Procedures for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (AB 1236) From: City Manager Lead Department: Development Services Department Recommendation Staff recommends that City Council adopt the proposed ordinance (Attachment A), which outlines an expedited and streamlined permitting process for electric vehicle charging stations in compliance with Assembly Bill 1236, and find the ordinance exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Background Assembly Bill 1236, adopted in October 2015, added Government Code Section 65850.7 to require jurisdictions with a population of less than 200,000 to establish procedures for expedited, streamlined processes for permitting of electric vehicle charging stations. Under Section 65850.7, a jurisdiction must adopt an ordinance for the expedited, streamlined process on or before September 30, 2017. The ordinance must include the requirement that a jurisdiction adopt a checklist of requirements with which a permit application for an electric vehicle charging station will be eligible for expedited review. Essentially the Assembly Bill is attempting to remove unreasonable barriers to the installation of electric vehicle charging stations and not unreasonably restrict the ability of homeowners and business concerns to install electric vehicle charging stations. The purpose of this Assembly Bill is to promote and encourage the use of electric vehicle charging stations and to limit obstacles to their use. An electric vehicle charging station is any level of Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) station which delivers electricity from a source outside an electric vehicle into a plug-in electric vehicle. Assembly Bill 1236 suggests that the City’s checklist may be based on the “Plug-In Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Permitting Checklist” of the “Zero-Emission Vehicles in California: City of Palo Alto Page 2 Community Readiness Guidebook” published by the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research. Discussion In advance of AB 1236, the Development Services Department had already taken deliberate and purposeful steps well in advance of the Assembly Bill to streamline and simplify the EVSE Permitting Process. The Building Official had already created Submittal Guidelines (Attachment B) for Residential Electric Vehicle Charging Station – Expedited Review, which can be used by an applicant or contractor by filling in the blanks with the required information and attaching the manufacturer’s installation instructions, technical specifications, and a simple plan. If all the information is provided and the proposal complies with the applicable building codes, then the review and approval process can usually be performed over-the-counter or within a day or two depending upon workloads and staff levels at the time of submission. The City currently expedites the review of residential electric vehicle charging stations by conducting over-the-counter reviews utilizing the current Building Division plan review staff. Large commercial projects with multiple charging stations that may require the electrical service upgrades are more complex and require additional coordination with the fire and utilities divisions. As a result, these large projects are mostly reviewed on a submittal basis which requires they be distributed to the various departments for a standard 30-day review process. These larger projects take longer to review and approve because they are more complex and involve multi-departmental review and approval. The goal is to ensure health and safety while ensuring a streamlined and predictable review process, which again complies with the state statute. City of Palo Alto Page 3 Table 1: EVCS Activity for Commercial and Residential Permits Table 1 represents the total number of EVSE permits issued over the last five quarters. The height of the bar represents the total number of EVSE permits submitted for review. The blue portion of each bar represents that total number of EVSE permits that were reviewed Over the Counter (OTC) while the red represent those that required a standard 30-day review period prior to issuing the permit. As one can observe the majority of EVSE permits are issued over the counter (i.e. blue) and those reviewed for 30-days (i.e. red) are typically more complex commercial projects. The second graph (Table 2) is a break-out of the Residential EVCS permit activity for the past five (5) quarters. Almost all of the residential EVCS permits have been reviewed OTC with an average 89% for the past 5 quarters and in some quarters 100% of the time. In the few cases, where additional review time was required, these EVCS projects included an electrical service panel upgrade to support the additional electrical loads, thus more complicated and requiring lengthier review. City of Palo Alto Page 4 Table 2: EVCS Activity for Residential Permits To further simplify the permitting process staff is now in the process of developing an online application process for all residential photovoltaic, solar hot water, and electric vehicle charging stations by December 31, 2018. The ultimate goal is to be in a position to perform electronic plan review on these types of applications by January 1, 2019 thereby expediting the review process. Resource Impact Adoption of this ordinance will potentially result in the need for additional staffing resources during peak periods to accommodate workloads and to update the City website and guidebooks. As the city pursues its electronic plan check process additional hardware and software will be necessary to support the review process, where a contracted technologist will be required to assist with development and implementation of electronic plan reviews and online applications submittals. Any funding request for additional resources will be contingent upon approval by the City Council and evaluated as part of subsequent budget cycle. Environmental Review Adoption of this ordinance is exempt from environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per CEQA Guidelines sections 15061(b)(3), because it can be seen with certainty that the proposed ordinance will have no significant negative impact on the environment. City of Palo Alto Page 5 Attachments:  Attachment A Ordinance Permitting Process for Electric Vehicle Charging Station (AB1236)  Attachment B EVSE - Residential Submittal Expedited Not Yet Approved 170509 jb AY/2017-0509 Expedited Permitting Process for EVCS Ordinance No. ____ Ordinance of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Setting Forth Procedures For Expediting Permitting Processing For Electric Vehicle Charging Systems The City Council of the City of Palo Alto ORDAINS as follows: SECTION 1. Findings and Declarations. A. The State of California and the City of Palo Alto have consistently promoted and encouraged the use of fuel-efficient electric vehicles. B. The State of California recent adopted Assembly Bill 1236, which requires local agencies to adopt an ordinance that creates an expedited and streamlined permitting process for electric vehicle charging systems. C. Creation of an expedited, streamlined permitting process for electric vehicle charging stations would facilitate convenient charging of electric vehicles and help reduce the City’s reliance on environmentally damaging fossil fuels. SECTION 2. Section 16.14.440 of Chapter 16.14 (California Green Building Standards Code) of the Palo Alto Municipal Code is hereby added to read: 16.14.440. Expedited Permitting Process for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (a) Definitions (1) “Electric vehicle charging station” or “charging station” means any level of electric vehicle supply equipment station that is designed and built in compliance with Article 625 of the California Electrical Code, as it reads on the effective date of this Chapter, and delivers electricity from a source outside an electric vehicle into a plug-in electric vehicle. (2) “Specific, adverse impact” means a significant, quantifiable, direct, and unavoidable impact, based on objective, identified, and written public health or safety standards, policies, or conditions as they existed on the date the application was deemed complete. (3) “Electronic submittal” means the utilization of one or more of the following: i. Electronic mail or email. ii. The internet. iii. Facsimile. (b) Expedited Permitting Process. Consistent with Government Code Section 65850.7, Not Yet Approved 170509 jb AY/2017-0509 Expedited Permitting Process for EVCS the Chief Building Official shall implement an expedited, streamlined permitting process for electric vehicle charging stations, and adopt a checklist of all requirements with which electric vehicle charging stations shall comply with in order to be eligible for expedited review. The expedited, streamlined permitting process and checklist may refer to the recommendations contained in the most current version of the “Plug-In Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Permitting Checklist” of the “Zero-Emission Vehicles in California: Community Readiness Guidebook” as published by the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research. The City’s adopted checklist shall be published on the City’s website. (c) Permit Application Processing (1) Prior to submitting an application for processing, the applicant shall verify that the installation of an electric vehicle charging station will not have specific, adverse impact to public health and safety and building occupants. Verification by the applicant includes but is not limited to: electrical system capacity and loads; electrical system wiring, bonding and overcurrent protection; building infrastructure affected by charging station equipment and associated conduits; areas of charging station equipment and vehicle parking. (2) A permit application that satisfies the information requirements in the City’s adopted checklist shall be deemed complete and be promptly processed. Upon confirmation by the Chief Building Official that the permit application and supporting documents meets the requirements of the City adopted checklist, and is consistent with all applicable laws and health and safety standards, the Chief Building Official shall, consistent with Government Code Section 65850.7, approve the application and issue all necessary permits. Such approval does not authorize an applicant to energize or utilize the electric vehicle charging station until approval is granted by the City. If the Chief Building Official determines that the permit application is incomplete, he or she shall issue a written correction notice to the applicant, detailing all deficiencies in the application and any additional information required to be eligible for expedited permit issuance. (3) The Chief Building Official shall not condition the approval for any electric vehicle charging station permit on the approval of such a system by an association, as that term is defined by Civil Code Section 4080. (4) Permit applications under this section may be submitted electronically, including electronic signatures on all forms, applications, and other documentation. (d) Technical Review. It is the intent of this section to encourage the installation of electric vehicle charging stations by removing obstacles to permitting for charging stations so long as the action does not supersede the Chief Building Official’s authority to address higher priority life-safety situations. If the Chief Building Official makes a finding based on substantial evidence that the electric vehicle charging station could have a specific adverse impact upon the public health or safety, as Not Yet Approved 170509 jb AY/2017-0509 Expedited Permitting Process for EVCS defined in this section, the City may require the applicant to apply for a use permit. SECTION 3. Severability. If any provision, clause, sentence or paragraph of this ordinance, or the application to any person or circumstances, shall be held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect the other provisions of this Ordinance which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application and, to this end, the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby declared to be severable. SECTION 4. CEQA. The City Council finds that this Ordinance falls under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) exemption found in Title 14 California Code of Regulations Section 15061(b)(3) because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility it will have a significant negative effect on the environment. SECTION 5. Effective Date. This ordinance shall be effective on the thirty-first date after the date of its adoption. INTRODUCED: PASSED: AYES: NOES: ABSTENTIONS: ABSENT: ATTEST: APPROVED: ______________________________ ____________________________ City Clerk Mayor APPROVED AS TO FORM: ____________________________ City Manager ______________________________ Senior Deputy City Attorney ____________________________ Director of Development Services Residential Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment - Expedited Page 1 of 6 Revision Date: 05/10/2017 City of Palo Alto Development Services Building Division – 285 Hamilton Av. (First Floor), Palo Alto, CA 94301 – (650) 329-2496 CPA Utilities: Electric Engineering – 1007 Elwell Ct., Palo Alto 94303 – (650) 566-4500 CPA Utilities: Customer Service Center – 285 Hamilton Av. (Second Floor), Palo Alto, CA 94301 – (650) 329-2161 DEVELOPMENT SERVICES – BUILDING DIVISION SUBMITTAL GUIDELINES: RESIDENTIAL ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS EXPEDITED REVIEW EFFECTIVE: 05/10/2017 SCOPE: RESIDENTIAL APPLICABLE CODES: 2016 CBC, CRC, CPC, CMC, CEC, CALGreen, CEnC, and PAMC The information provided in this document is general and intended as a guide only. Each project is unique and additional requirements may be enforced as deemed appropriate. PURPOSE The purpose of this guideline is to assist permit applicants in streamlining the permitting, installation and inspection process for Residential EV Chargers. TYPES OF ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV) CHARGERS Be aware that there are different types of Electric Vehicle (EV) Chargers. There are 2 basic types of EV chargers for home use (Level 1 and Level 2). LEVEL 1 Level 1 Chargers are smaller units that plug directly into a standard 120 volt receptacle outlet. These types of chargers typically require a longer period of time to recharge the vehicle. As long as the receptacle outlet being used to plug-in the Level 1 Charger exists, there is no requirement to secure a permit from the Building and Safety Division. On the other hand, if you will be installing a new 120 volt receptacle outlet for the charger, you will need to obtain a permit—but you will not need to provide any plans or electrical load calculations as would be required for the more powerful Level 2 type charging systems. LEVEL 2 A Level 2 EV charging system requires a 240 volt electrical circuit and charges the vehicle battery much faster than a Level 1 charger. Level 2 charger installations typically require an electrical permit and inspections of the installation. In order to obtain the permit you will need to provide some basic information to show that your existing electrical service can handle the added load. Installing a Level 2 EV charging system requires changes to building’s electrical wiring. Before installing the EV charging equipment and the associated wiring, talk to your EV manufacturer about the electrical requirements for the charger unit to be installed at your home. Be sure to use a licensed Electrical contractor whose state contractor’s license and insurance are current. The Residential Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment - Expedited Page 2 of 6 Revision Date: 05/10/2017 City of Palo Alto Development Services Building Division – 285 Hamilton Av. (First Floor), Palo Alto, CA 94301 – (650) 329-2496 CPA Utilities: Electric Engineering – 1007 Elwell Ct., Palo Alto 94303 – (650) 566-4500 CPA Utilities: Customer Service Center – 285 Hamilton Av. (Second Floor), Palo Alto, CA 94301 – (650) 329-2161 contractor should follow the installation instructions of the EV charger manufacturer and the requirements of California Electrical Code. SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS This Residential EV Charger Permit Guideline has been developed to streamline the permit, installation and inspection process. In most cases, you or your contractor merely need to fill-in the blanks on this document, attach the manufacturer’s installation instructions and charger specifications and submit it to the Building Department at the Development Center for an over-the-counter review and permit issuance. If all of the information is provided and the proposal complies with the applicable codes, the review and approval process can usually be performed over-the-counter or within a day or two depending upon workloads and staffing levels at the time of submittal. Once the permit is issued, the installation may begin. When the installation is complete, an inspection of the work must be scheduled with the Building Inspector. Inspections are typically performed on the work day following your request for inspection. Keep in mind that someone will need to be present during the inspection so that the Building Inspector can access the location of the electrical meter and EV charger (typically in the garage) and perform torque requirements. CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE GENERAL REQUIREMENTS All Electrical Vehicle Charging Systems shall comply with the applicable sections of the California Electrical Code, including Article 625. EQUIPMENT HEIGHT The coupling means of the Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment shall be stored at a height of not less than 18 inches above the floor level for indoor locations and not less than 24 inches above the grade level for outdoor locations. (CEC 625.50) LISTED EQUIPMENT All Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment shall be listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. You can find a list in the US Department of Labor’s website. (CEC 110.3(B)) FASTENED IN PLACE Specify if the Level 2 Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment will be permanently connected and fastened in place in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions. PROTECTION FROM PHYSICAL DAMAGE Electrical Vehicle Supply Equipment shall be protected against vehicle impact damage when located in the path of a vehicle. In order to avoid the installation of a substantial pipe bollard as an equipment guard, locate the Electrical Vehicle Supply Equipment on a garage side wall, out of vehicular path (see sample drawing below). (CEC 110.27(B)) IF MORE THAN 60 AMPS When EV charging equipment is rated at more than 60 amps, the disconnect means shall be provided and installed in a readily accessible location and shall be capable of being locked on the open position. (CEC 625.42) Residential Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment - Expedited Page 3 of 6 Revision Date: 05/10/2017 City of Palo Alto Development Services Building Division – 285 Hamilton Av. (First Floor), Palo Alto, CA 94301 – (650) 329-2496 CPA Utilities: Electric Engineering – 1007 Elwell Ct., Palo Alto 94303 – (650) 566-4500 CPA Utilities: Customer Service Center – 285 Hamilton Av. (Second Floor), Palo Alto, CA 94301 – (650) 329-2161 SITE PLAN Provide two copies of the job-specific site plan showing: o The location of the building and street name o All EVSE receptacle location(s), electric service, disconnects, and existing or proposed electric meter location o Information as required in the tables in the following page (see Other Helpful Information) Sample Electrical Plan for Level 2 Electric Vehicle Charger Circuit Installation (Source: City of Riverside) CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITY REQUIREMENTS Though an individual Level 2 EV charger may have a negligible impact on the utility electric system, the combined effect of several chargers in the same neighborhood could result in overloads on utility secondary wires and transformers. It is important that the City of Palo Alto Utilities be notified of any Level 2 charger installations to ensure that utility electrical system components are adequately sized to maintain high levels of service reliability. For EVSEs greater than 40 amps, or that require an overcurrent protection device (e.g., circuit breaker) greater than 50 amps, complete the City of Palo Alto Utilities Department EVSE Information form. Residential Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment - Expedited Page 4 of 6 Revision Date: 05/10/2017 City of Palo Alto Development Services Building Division – 285 Hamilton Av. (First Floor), Palo Alto, CA 94301 – (650) 329-2496 CPA Utilities: Electric Engineering – 1007 Elwell Ct., Palo Alto 94303 – (650) 566-4500 CPA Utilities: Customer Service Center – 285 Hamilton Av. (Second Floor), Palo Alto, CA 94301 – (650) 329-2161 OTHER HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR EV CHARGER INSTALLATIONS The table below illustrates the type and size of wire and conduit to be used for various Electric Vehicle Charger circuits. Blank Blank Blank Conduit Type and Size * Blank Size of EV Charger Circuit Breaker Required Minimum Size of Conductors (THHN wire; THHW wire for exterior) Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT) Rigid Nonmetallic Conduit – Schedule 40 (RNC) Flexible Metal Conduit (FMC) 20 amps #12 1/2" 1/2" 1/2" 30 amps #12 1/2" 1/2" 1/2" 40 amps #10 1/2" 1/2" 1/2" 50 amps #8 3/4" 3/4" 3/4" 60 amps #6 3/4" 3/4" 3/4" 70 amps #6 3/4" 3/4" 3/4" * Based on 4 wires in the conduit (2-current carrying conductors, 1-grounded conductor, and 1-equipment ground). (CEC Chapter 9 Tables) As an alternate, Nonmetallic Sheathed Cable (NMC) (e.g., Romex cable) may be used if it is protected from physical damage by placing the cable inside a wall cavity or attic space which is separated from the occupied space by drywall or plywood. The table below illustrates the required supports for various types of electrical conduit or cable. Conduit Support Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT) (CEC 358.30 (A)) Rigid Nonmetallic Conduit – Schedule 40 (RNC) (CEC 352.28(B)) Flexible Metal Conduit (FMC) (CEC 348.42(B)) Nonmetallic Sheathed Cable (NMC) (CEC 334.30) Conduit Support Intervals 10’ 3’ 4-1/2’ 4-1/2’ Maximum Distance from Box to Conduit Support 3’ 3’ 1’ 1’ In addition to the above noted requirements, the California Electrical Code contains many other provisions that may be applicable to the installation of a new electrical circuit. Installers are cautioned to be aware of all applicable requirements before beginning the installation. For additional information or guidance, consult with the Building Department staff at the Development Center or a qualified and experienced Electrical Contractor. Residential Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment - Expedited Page 5 of 6 Revision Date: 05/10/2017 City of Palo Alto Development Services Building Division – 285 Hamilton Av. (First Floor), Palo Alto, CA 94301 – (650) 329-2496 CPA Utilities: Electric Engineering – 1007 Elwell Ct., Palo Alto 94303 – (650) 566-4500 CPA Utilities: Customer Service Center – 285 Hamilton Av. (Second Floor), Palo Alto, CA 94301 – (650) 329-2161 SERVICE LOAD CALCULATOR Instructions: Review the list of electrical loads in the table below and check all that exist in your home (don’t forget to include the proposed Level 2 charger). For each item checked, fill in the corresponding “Watts Used” (refer to the “Typical Usage” column for wattage information). Add up all the numbers that are written in the “Watts Used” column and write that number in the “TOTAL WATTS USED” box at the bottom of the table. Then go to the next page to determine if your existing electric service will accommodate the new loads. Note: Loads shown are rough estimates; actual loads may vary. For a more precise analysis, use the nameplate ratings for appliances and other loads and consult with a trained electrical professional. Check All Applicable Loads Description of Load Typical Usage Watts Used Blank GENERAL LIGHTING AND RECEPTACLE OUTLET CIRCUITS Blank Blank Blank Sq. ft. of the house: _______ (multiply by 3 watts/sq. ft.) 3 watts/sq. ft. Blank Blank KITCHEN CIRCUITS Blank Blanks Blank Kitchen Circuits 3000 watts Blank Blank Electric Oven 2000 watts Blank Blank Electric Stove Top 5000 watts Blank Blank Microwave 1500 watts Blank Blank Garbage Disposal under Kitchen Sink 1000 watts Blank Blank Automatic Dish Washer 3500 watts Blank Blank Garbage Compactor 1000 watts Blank Blank Instantaneous Hot Water at Sink 1500 watts Blank Blank LAUNDRY CIRCUITS Blank Blank Blank Laundry Circuit 1500 watts Blank Blank Electric Clothes Dryer 4500 watts Blank Blank HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONIONG CIRCUITS Blank Blank Blank Central Heating and Air Conditioning 6000 watts Blank Blank Window Mounted Air Conditioning 1000 watts Blank Blank Whole-House or Attic Fan 500 watts Blank Blank Central Electric Furnace 8000 watts Blank Blank Evaporative Cooler 500 watts Blank Blank OTHER ELECTRIC LOADS Blank Blank Blank Electric Water Heater (Storage Type) 4000 watts Blank Blank Electric Tankless Water Heater 15000 watts Blank Blank Swimming Pool or Spa 3500 watts Blank Blank Other (Describe) ______ watts Blank Blank Other (Describe) ______ watts Blank Blank Other (Describe) ______ watts Blank Blank ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGER CIRCUIT Blank Blank Blank Level 2 EV Charger Wattage: _______ (multiply by 1.25) ______ watts Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank TOTAL WATTS USED Blank Blank Residential Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment - Expedited Page 6 of 6 Revision Date: 05/10/2017 City of Palo Alto Development Services Building Division – 285 Hamilton Av. (First Floor), Palo Alto, CA 94301 – (650) 329-2496 CPA Utilities: Electric Engineering – 1007 Elwell Ct., Palo Alto 94303 – (650) 566-4500 CPA Utilities: Customer Service Center – 285 Hamilton Av. (Second Floor), Palo Alto, CA 94301 – (650) 329-2161 Instructions: Using the “TOTAL WATTAGE USED” number from the previous page, check the appropriate line in column 1 and follow that line across to determine the minimum required size of the electrical service panel shown in column 3. In column 4, write in the size of your existing service panel (main breaker size). If your existing service panel (column 4) is smaller than the minimum required size of the existing service (column 3), then you will need a new upgraded electrical service panel to handle the added electrical load from the proposed Level 2 charger. The table below is based on CEC 220.83(A) and Annex D. 1 2 3 4 Check the Appropriate Line Total Watts Used (from Previous Page) Minimum Required Size of Existing 240-Volt Electrical Service Panel (Main Service Breaker Size) Identify the Size of Your Existing Main Service Breakers (Amps) * Blank Up to 48000 100 amps Blank Blank 48001 – 63000 125 amps Blank Blank 63001 – 78000 150 amps Blank Blank 78001 – 108000 200 amps Blank Blank 108001 – 123000 225 amps Blank *Note: The size of your existing service (column 4) MUST be equal to or larger than the Minimum Required size (column 3) or a new larger electrical service panel will need to be installed in order to satisfy the electrical load demand of the EV charger. STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE By my signature, I attest that the information provided is true and accurate. Job Address: ______________________________________________________________________________ Signature:______________________________________________ Date: _____________________________ In addition to this document, you will also need to provide a copy of the manufacturer’s installation literature and specifications for the Level 2 charger you are installing. Note: This is a voluntary compliance alternative and you may wish to hire a qualified individual or company to perform a thorough evaluation of your electrical service capacity in lieu of this alternative methodology. Use of this electrical load calculation estimate methodology is at the user’s risk and carries no implied guarantee of accuracy. Users of this methodology and these forms are advised to seek professional assistance in determining the electrical capacity of a service panel.