Norton council holds first reading of electric vehicle charging station rules, stresses safety requirements

The Norton City Council on Feb. 3 held a first reading of an ordinance to add Chapter 14.33 to the city's codified ordinances to regulate electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS). The ordinance, presented for first reading, sets technical and safety standards, restricts certain structures such as overhead canopies and establishes requirements to ensure fire and service access.

Council members and staff said the proposed rules mirror guidance from the Ohio Fire Code, the Department of Transportation and practices other municipalities have adopted. During public discussion, members asked whether the city had drafted the requirements independently or adapted language from state or national codes; staff responded that the language reflects fire-department input and model language other communities use so first responders will know how to cut power and safely approach incidents involving chargers.

Council member Mike Lukens asked whether the ordinance included any fiscal figures; no specific city cost was listed in the draft ordinance presented at first reading. Council member Lukens and others noted the city currently has few charging stations on city property but said standards are needed before private developers or businesses propose stations. One council member asked specifically about the ordinance provision that “charging stations shall not include overhead canopies”; staff explained the prohibition stems from firefighting and emergency-access concerns: large canopies can impede safe firefighting operations and water application if a vehicle or charger were on fire.

Council members said they expect private businesses or out-of-town operators might locate chargers in Norton and that clear, consistent local standards will help ensure safe installation and operation. The ordinance was added to the agenda for first reading only; no vote to adopt was taken that night.