Land use: development projects: electric vehicles.
The proposed legislation establishes a condition where parking spaces intended for electric vehicle charging must count toward the total number of required parking spaces in development applications. This requirement for local officials implies a state-created local program aimed at promoting the adoption of electric vehicles and enhancing infrastructure to support them. However, it also entails an increase in responsibilities for local governments regarding the administration of these standards.
Assembly Bill 1646, introduced by Assembly Member Burke, focuses on the installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations as part of development projects in California. It mandates that cities or counties must require applications for building projects exceeding 250,000 square feet to estimate the number of expected customers and the proportion likely to use electric vehicles. This bill emphasizes the need to establish consistent statewide standards concerning EV charging, which is deemed a matter of statewide interest rather than local governance. Therefore, it applies to all municipalities, including charter cities.
The sentiment around AB 1646 is expected to be mixed. Proponents likely view the bill as a progressive step towards embracing electric vehicles and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which aligns with California's broader environmental goals. Conversely, critics may raise concerns about the increased regulatory burden on local governments and the potential for additional costs in project approvals. The discussions around this bill may reflect broader debates on state versus local control regarding land-use regulations.
One notable point of contention is the bill's provision stating that no reimbursements will be required from the state for the costs incurred by local agencies or school districts in implementing the new standards. This assertion has raised concerns that the financial impacts of compliance will fall solely upon local governments, potentially leading to pushback from municipal associations and local leaders who may argue that such burdens should be supported through state funding.