Englewood City is poised to enhance its electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure following a recent Planning and Zoning Commission meeting where officials discussed compliance with new state legislation aimed at streamlining EV charging development. The meeting, held on October 7, 2025, focused on House Bill 24-1173, which mandates local jurisdictions to adopt a model code for EV charging permitting to address barriers in the current land use standards.

The Colorado Energy Office (CEO) conducted a study revealing that many local governments lack specific standards for EV charging projects, hindering development. In response, the state law requires jurisdictions to choose from three compliance options, with the CEO offering technical assistance to facilitate the integration of the model code into existing regulations.

During the meeting, officials outlined the three compliance paths:

1. **Model Code Adoption**: Jurisdictions can adopt an ordinance to incorporate the model code's standards, benefiting from support and training provided by the CEO.

2. **Statutory Code Adoption**: This option involves adopting an ordinance that aligns with existing statutory standards but does not include the training support.

3. **Retaining Existing Standards**: Jurisdictions may opt to maintain their current permitting processes without adopting the model code.

The commission recommended the third option, citing that Englewood's existing regulations, which align with the National Electrical Code, already provide a robust framework for EV charging installations. Current processes ensure timely permit issuance, with residential permits typically granted within 24 hours and commercial permits within 36 hours.

As Englewood moves forward, the decision to retain existing standards reflects confidence in the city's current permitting efficiency while still adhering to state requirements. This approach aims to support the growing demand for electric vehicle infrastructure while ensuring safety and compliance in installations. The city’s commitment to maintaining a rigorous permitting process positions it well to accommodate the increasing number of electric vehicles on the road.