Building Inspection Commission backs ordinance requiring EV-ready infrastructure in new and altered buildings

The San Francisco Building Inspection Commission on Wednesday voted unanimously to forward a proposed ordinance (Board of Supervisors file 170,202) that would amend the city’s green building code to require electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in new buildings and in buildings undergoing major alterations.

The commission approved technical edits that keep a required electrical-system capacity equal to 20% of parking spaces and require 10% of spaces to be ‘‘turnkey’’ EV charging spaces — meaning a full circuit to the parking space terminating in a suitable receptacle — while removing a previously proposed second 10% requirement for empty conduits. A commission motion to approve the ordinance passed on a roll-call vote with five yes votes and no dissent; the item will go next to the Board of Supervisors.

Supporters, including a supervisor who opened the meeting and staff from the mayor’s office and SF Environment, framed the ordinance as part of the city’s broader climate strategy and as a way to expand access to EVs for residents who live in multiunit buildings. “I don’t have charging infrastructure in my building, and I would love to drive an electric vehicle,” the supervisor said, arguing the requirement would help residents consider cleaner choices when buying vehicles.

Tyron Zhu, senior…