DeKalb planning commission recommends UDO change to classify EV chargers as accessory use and count them toward parking

The DeKalb Planning and Zoning Commission voted 4-0 on March 3 to recommend that the City Council approve text amendments to the city’s Unified Development Ordinance to classify electric vehicle charging stations as an accessory use in all zoning districts and to allow those stations to satisfy minimum parking-space requirements.

The recommendation implements a goal from the city’s updated sustainability plan and is intended to qualify DeKalb for the bronze level of the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus EV Readiness program, staff said. The amendments add definitions to Article 3 of the UDO for electric vehicles, electric vehicle supply equipment, electric vehicle charging stations and electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and explicitly permit the chargers as accessory uses citywide.

Scott Zak, communications and engagement manager for the City of DeKalb and staff liaison to the Environmental Commission, said…