Amends certain requirements for installation of electric vehicle supply equipment and Make-Ready parking spaces.
Impact
Furthermore, S246 intends to exempt multi-unit dwellings designated solely for low- or moderate-income occupancy from the requirement to install a specified quantity of Make-Ready parking spaces. This exemption acknowledges the unique circumstances surrounding affordable housing development and considers its financial implications. Additionally, the bill aims to ensure that only those spaces truly capable of supporting electric vehicle chargers are included in the calculations for total off-street parking spaces required, thereby streamlining the compliance process for developers.
Summary
Senate Bill 246 (S246) is a legislative proposal that seeks to amend certain requirements regarding the installation of electric vehicle supply equipment and Make-Ready parking spaces. The scope of the bill modifies existing provisions established under P.L.2021, c.171, which mandated the installation of electric vehicle chargers at multi-unit dwellings and parking facilities. The proposed changes focus on clarifying the specific applications that these requirements apply to, notably insisting they are limited to the construction or reconstruction of multi-unit dwellings, parking lots, and garages, rather than any general applications concerning these structures.
Contention
One notable point of contention involves the authority of the Commissioner of Community Affairs regarding updates to the electric vehicle supply equipment and Make-Ready parking space requirements. The bill proposes to remove the commissioner's power to update these specific requirements, instead providing a framework for updating elements of model land use ordinances in accordance with established administrative procedures. This change is critical as it delineates the extent of regulatory authority while attempting to balance local governance with statewide uniformity.
Additional_notes
Overall, the implications of S246 extend into areas of municipal regulation and the state’s commitment to transition towards a more sustainable environment by easing infrastructure burdens related to electric vehicles. The legislation signals a strategic step towards integrating electric vehicle readiness into new housing developments while considering the broader economic landscape amidst legislative scrutiny around local and state authority.