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 the sustainability plan—approved by the City Council last year—identifies wider EV charging access as a way to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions. "More EV charging stations spread throughout the community will encourage drivers to consider electric powered vehicles or hybrid vehicles," Zak said. He told commissioners the city joined the Greenest Regions Compact and that the EV Readiness program (funded in part by ComEd through the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus) provides guidance and information, including rebate information and outreach resources.

A City planning staff member identified as Dan summarized the specific UDO edits under consideration and said the amendments codify an approach the city has already used when permitting chargers. "These charging stations are accessory uses in all zoning districts in the city," Dan said. The staff presentation noted existing chargers at locations including AMC Theaters, a city parking lot near Sparks Auto and new residential projects on the old City Hall site.

Commissioners asked about signage and whether video-capable chargers that display advertising should be regulated. One commissioner said the city should wait to adopt prescriptive rules until more local experience indicates specific problems; another noted that line-of-sight or roadside visibility could justify restrictions. Staff said private-property installations, such as those at the theater, are subject to the parcel owner’s control but that signage and time-limit rules are topics the commission could consider in future UDO amendments.

Staff also told the commission the city itself is not funding chargers but that ComEd and program partners offer rebates for chargers and for some site installations; staff said the city will post guidance on eligible rebates and maps of public chargers on a web page connected to the program. The amendments before the commission represent the minimum changes needed to reach the bronze EV Readiness designation; staff said they may propose additional UDO edits later if demand or problems emerge.

Votes at a glance: Based on the submitted petition and testimony presented, Commissioner Becker moved that the Planning and Zoning Commission recommend City Council approval of the text amendments to the UDO regarding EV charging stations as indicated in Exhibit A; Commissioner O'Flaherty seconded. Roll-call vote: Becker — yes; O'Flaherty — yes; Pena Graham — yes; Chair Maxwell — yes. Motion passes 4-0. The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to City Council for final action.

The commission had no other substantive changes to the proposed Exhibit A; staff will continue outreach and may return with additional UDO text amendments on signage, time limits, or technical standards if local needs arise.