Staff outlines several changes to EV-charging code language, including percentage shifts and accessibility clarifications

Council staff reviewed a series of substantive comments on IBC section 4.29 (electric-vehicle charging infrastructure). The proposals include raising the group REV percentage (one comment suggested from 10% to 15% and increasing group REV-capable from 40% to as high as 75%), simplifying the counting methodology so all spaces count toward required totals, and adding exceptions for small lots to reduce ambiguity for small-parcel projects.

On accessibility, staff described proposed language to align EV accessible-parking dimensions with Washington's existing accessible-space requirements and said a commenter asked to remove signage that restricts an accessible space to EVs only, noting the risk that an EV-only accessible space could preclude a non-EV driver who needs the accessible space. "So they're seeking to it is an exception that removes that, requirement," Dustin said. Staff did not have a recommendation on the percentage changes and noted the percentage levels were discussed previously at the TAG level.