Planning commission forwards EV‑readiness rules for multifamily housing to City Council

The Moab Planning Commission voted 4-0 to forward a positive recommendation to City Council for an ordinance amending Moab Municipal Code section 17.09 to require electric vehicle (EV) readiness for multi‑household developments.

Planning staff presenter Alexi Lam summarized the draft ordinance, which would require that 10% of required parking spaces be "EV capable" (electrical panel capacity and conduit terminated near parking) and an additional 10% be "EV ready" (electric outlet/connection present), for a total of 20% readiness among required stalls. Lam said the ordinance applies to parking associated with multi‑household dwellings and includes exemptions, an exception process, ADA and fire-safety references, and review procedures.

Alexi Lam framed the measure as supporting city council climate and renewable-energy goals, citing council resolutions adopted earlier that set targets for greenhouse-gas reductions and renewable electricity. "About 80% of charging happens at home," Lam said, and noted that many renters have limited control over parking. Lam also presented the cost rationale: installing conduit and capacity during new construction is substantially less expensive than retrofitting later.

Commissioners discussed concerns about imposing added costs on multifamily developers given housing needs. Lam and staff said the draft avoids requiring installed chargers (EV installed) and instead focuses on low-cost readiness measures; staff added that exceptions can be granted where compliance would create an undue hardship. An electrical stakeholder who responded to staff outreach noted the draft aligns with the direction of the National Electrical Code and that communities are moving toward similar requirements; that stakeholder was not present for formal testimony.

Action: Commissioner Carolyn Conant moved to forward a positive recommendation on Moab City Ordinance 2025-13 (an ordinance amending MMC 17.09 for EV readiness of multi‑household development); Miles Lofton seconded. Roll-call votes were Carolyn Conant: Aye; Miles Lofton: Aye; Shaylee Bryant: Aye; Jill Tatton (chair): Aye. The motion passed 4-0.

Staff said the ordinance includes an incentives provision for single‑ and two‑household dwellings (permit-review cost reduction) and detailed capacity, signage and maintenance requirements for EV equipment. Existing parking lots and multifamily properties are treated as legal nonconforming and would be required to come into compliance only when they undergo substantial parking area modifications or electrical service upgrades as specified in the ordinance.