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Vernon Hills staff outline zoning changes to streamline electric‑vehicle charging installations
Summary
Staff presented proposed zoning amendments to encourage electric‑vehicle charging infrastructure, clarifying definitions, removing parking penalties for chargers and limiting advertising signs; installations converting more than 10% of parking would trigger site‑plan review.
Village staff on Jan. 21 presented proposed zoning-code amendments intended to make it easier for property owners and businesses to add electric‑vehicle charging stations.
Director Jennings said the amendments — drafted as part of participation in the mayor's caucus ED Readiness program — add definitions and a zoning framework that treats EV charging as a distinct use. Under the draft, converting existing parking spaces to charging would not reduce required parking counts (properties would count those spaces as though a car could still park there). Installations that convert more than 10% of parking or fail to meet design guidelines would be referred for full site‑plan review, and retail or "primary use" charging facilities (the EV equivalent of a gas station) would require special‑use review.
Staff noted the village already has chargers (including a cluster inside the Hawthorne Row garage) and that the village website hosts a map of local charging locations and links to grant programs. An information item in the packet described typical equipment costs (presenters said equipment ranges from about $7,500 to $15,000 depending on features) and identified ComEd rebates and a mayor's caucus grant that helped offset local installation costs.
Trustees asked about accessibility and the potential for chargers to displace accessible parking; staff said national accessibility guidance is still evolving and that future code changes may address accessible EV stalls. Staff said they expect to present a revised draft to the Planning & Zoning Commission at an upcoming meeting and requested committee feedback before that hearing.
No final action was taken; staff will forward feedback and the draft code to Planning & Zoning for a public hearing and potential amendment to the zoning code.
