Building Code - Construction and Significant Renovation of Housing Units - Electric Vehicle Parking Spaces
If enacted, SB 695 will require that any construction or significant renovation of housing units with separate garages, carports, or driveways must provide sufficient parking spaces for charging electric vehicles. This includes mandating one EVSE-installed parking space for every new housing unit and common areas that service multiple units, which could increase access to necessary charging infrastructure for future residents. The law is set to take effect on October 1, 2024, which gives developers a timeline to adapt to these new building codes.
Senate Bill 695 aims to enhance the infrastructure for electric vehicles (EVs) in Maryland by mandating the inclusion of electric vehicle charging stations in the construction and significant renovation of multifamily residential buildings. The bill defines significant renovations and specifies requirements for electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) installed parking spaces and EV-ready parking spaces, ensuring that new residential developments cater to the growing demand for electric vehicle usage. This move aligns with broader goals of sustainability and reducing carbon footprints in urban planning.
Some points of contention surrounding the bill may include concerns from developers about the costs associated with retrofitting existing structures to comply with these new requirements. There might also be debates on whether the state's prescriptive guidelines could limit local municipalities' ability to further customize their infrastructure to meet local needs. Additionally, critics may argue that the timeline for implementation may not adequately account for the readiness of existing electrical systems in older buildings.
The bill's gradual implementation strategy, obligating a certain percentage of parking spaces to be EV-ready by specified future dates (10% by 2024, 20% by 2030, and 30% by 2035), illustrates a balanced approach to phasing in new requirements. This staged rollout is aimed at easing the transition for developers while promoting electric vehicle adoption as part of the state's broader environmental efforts.