The Electric Vehicle (EV) Ready Code Project seeks to expand zero-emission transportation options for individuals and households beyond what the market is doing today, specifically in multi-dwelling housing.
The project augments recent state codes and rules to require that parking associated with new multi-dwelling and mixed-use developments provide the infrastructure needed to make 50 percent of parking spaces “EV-ready” (i.e. providing the electrical conduit connections for new or future charging equipment) and will help implement policy direction from Portland’s Climate Emergency Workplan through changes to the zoning code.
In late October, the Planning and Sustainability Commission (PSC) voted to recommend approval of the EV-ready project to City Council with some amendments. The amendments increase the flexibility for locating the chargers and equipment in parking lot landscaping, while forwarding the proposal to require new developments with five or more dwelling units to make at least half of the accessory on-site parking area EV-ready. The recommendation complies with and augments state rules provided through House Bill 2180 and the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) led Climate-Friendly and Equitable Communities Rulemaking process.
Staff was working at the end of 2022 to update the Proposed Draft (available at ), to accommodate the PSC recommendations, as well as developing the ordinance and findings for City Council.Â
In early January the MapApp, portlandmaps.com/bps/mapapp, will be available for people to submit testimony, as well provide instructions for testifying in person. A City Council hearing is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, January 25.Â
At the hearing, City Council will consider any additional written and oral testimony prior to making a final decision in early 2023. Details about the hearing will be posted on the project website, , closer to the date of the hearing. People can sign up to receive email updates there as well.