Commission backs ordinance to require EV charging in large commercial garages

The Commission on the Environment voted Sept. 24 to approve a resolution supporting an ordinance that would require commercial garages and lots with more than 100 spaces to set aside 10% of stalls for Level‑2 electric vehicle charging (or install DC fast chargers of equivalent capacity) by 2023.

Lowell Chiu, interim energy program manager at SF Environment, explained the proposal, which the policy committee had already recommended. The ordinance would require a good‑faith feasibility analysis by garage owners, establish a waiver process administered by the Department of the Environment for sites unable to comply for structural or electrical reasons, and tie compliance to parking operating permits; the department may seek fines or permit suspension for noncompliance.

Chiu framed the measure as an equity and access step: with about 11,000 electric vehicles registered in the city and roughly 750 publicly available charging ports, publicly accessible charging in dense multifamily neighborhoods is needed to increase EV adoption. "Two thirds of our residents live in multi‑unit dwellings where on‑site charging is difficult," the presentation said. The department also said this ordinance is complementary to private‑sector requests to manage underused garages and to municipal efforts to open city garages to providers.

Commissioners asked about funding for enforcement and long‑term grid capacity. Staff said they are seeking potential funding sources (including Low Carbon Fuel Standard funds), and that a ZEV readiness study and load‑management planning are underway; grid upgrades and storage may be required at some sites.

Motion to approve the resolution (file 2019‑05‑COE) was moved, seconded and passed by voice vote; the Commission urged continued outreach to parking operators and targeted support for disadvantaged communities.