The City of San Francisco held a meeting on July 4, 2025, focusing on new regulations regarding electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in multifamily residential buildings. The discussions centered on the implementation of a new requirement mandating a specific percentage of EV charging stations in new constructions and renovations.

Key points included collaboration with the Fire Department to align the new regulations with existing safety protocols. Stakeholders, including the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC), are actively involved in expanding charger availability and understanding the associated costs for compliance.

Barry Hooper, a city official present at the meeting, highlighted that multifamily sites could install lower voltage plugs, which would meet the EV charging requirements without necessitating additional fire safety measures, such as sprinklers. This provision aims to reduce barriers to EV charging installation.

The meeting also addressed the uniqueness of San Francisco's stringent requirements compared to other California cities. City officials are reaching out to networks, including the Clean Cities initiative, to gather information on similar regulations in other urban areas, both within and outside California, to better understand the implications of their policies.

Additionally, the discussion touched on the financial aspects related to PG&E costs for the city, with a decision from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) anticipated in early 2024 regarding these expenses.

Overall, the meeting underscored San Francisco's commitment to enhancing EV infrastructure while balancing safety and cost considerations, with further evaluations and stakeholder engagement planned to refine these initiatives.