I’m trying to wrap my head around something related to the CalGreen building code. As I understand it, the code requires that large apartment buildings have a minimum percentage of EV (Electric Vehicle) charging spots. However, I’ve been noticing that many new buildings around my area seem to have only a few chargers available, if any at all.
Isn’t this against the CalGreen requirements? Or am I missing something? I’d love to understand why this is happening. Are developers finding loopholes, or is there some flexibility in the regulations? Any insights would be greatly appreciated. TIA
As EV adoption continues to rise, developers and building owners face growing pressure to provide sufficient charging infrastructure. Government incentives, technological advancements, and evolving consumer preferences are driving a shift toward more EV-friendly developments.
It’s great that you’re looking into the CalGreen building code and its requirements regarding EV charging spots. You’re correct that CalGreen mandates a certain percentage of parking spaces in new residential buildings be equipped for electric vehicle charging, particularly for larger developments. However, there can be some flexibility in how developers comply with these regulations. For example, the code might allow for a phased installation of charging stations, meaning that while a building may only have a few chargers initially, they could be required to add more as the demand increases or at a later date. Additionally, developers may sometimes interpret the requirements differently or seek variances based on specific circumstances, which can lead to discrepancies in compliance. It might also depend on local ordinances, as some cities have stricter rules than the state code. If you’re concerned, you might want to reach out to your local building department for clarification on the specific requirements in your area and how they’re being enforced.
TIA