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Norwalk Council adopts streamlined permitting ordinance for electric vehicle charging stations
Summary
The Norwalk City Council voted unanimously to introduce and waive first reading of Ordinance No. 25-1760, updating the municipal code to establish an expedited permitting process for electric vehicle charging stations to align with state law and encourage EV infrastructure.
The Norwalk City Council on a unanimous vote took the first-step action on Ordinance No. 25-1760, adopting an expedited and streamlined permitting process for electric vehicle charging stations in the Norwalk Municipal Code.
Faye Yuan, Norwalk building official, told the council the ordinance updates the city code to comply with California Assembly Bill 1236 and later clarifying legislation (AB 970 and AB 1291). Yuan said the ordinance creates a clear applicant checklist, allows electronic submission of permits, and provides sample details and inspections guidance so completed applications can be processed quickly.
The measure is intended to encourage electric vehicle use, reduce reliance on fossil fuels and provide consistent permitting procedures across the city, Yuan said. She also told the council the ordinance is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act because it does not create a physical environmental impact.
Council members voted 5-0 to move the item and record aye votes from Rick Ramirez, Margarita El Rios, Anna Valencia, Vice Mayor Jennifer Perez and Mayor Tony Ayala. Vice Mayor Jennifer Perez moved the item; a second was recorded but not named in the public roll call.
The ordinance requires the city to publish a permitting checklist that identifies necessary submittal items, sample details applicants may use and explains the inspection process, and mandates that complete submittals meeting the checklist be processed on an expedited basis. Yuan said applicants must verify that their proposed installation will have no potential negative impact to public health and safety as part of using the checklist.
City staff recommended introduction of the ordinance by title only, waiver of first reading and scheduling a later adoption vote. The council's roll call recorded five ayes and no noes or abstentions.
What happens next: the council introduced the ordinance and waived the first reading in the meeting; final adoption will be scheduled per the ordinance process. The staff presentation identified the state statutory drivers for the update and asked the council to allow electronic submittals and a transparent checklist to accelerate permitting.
