Council imposes time limits on city EV charging stalls; adopts 4-hour maximum
Loading...
Summary
To address complaints about long-term occupancy of municipal EV charging stalls, the council adopted an ordinance amendment setting a 4-hour maximum parking time for city EV charging stalls and directed staff to pursue metering/charging options for future stations.
The Guadalupe City Council on Jan. 28 adopted Resolution 2025-11 establishing time-limited parking at city-owned electric-vehicle charging stations and directing staff to pursue metered/paid charging for new stations.
City staff introduced the issue after public comments flagged repeated long-term occupation of limited EV stalls, notably at the Veterans Memorial and senior center locations where the current chargers are slow units. Staff initially proposed an 8-hour limit to reflect slow-charge times but recommended council consider a shorter limit to increase turnover.
Public Safety Director Michael Cash and staff explained enforcement options are limited: conventional tire-chalking methods are legally problematic and city towing capacity and a comprehensive towing policy are still being developed. Staff said enforcement initially will rely on signage, observation and citation; longer-term solutions include installing charging stations that support billed sessions and remote enforcement.
After discussion the council modified the proposed language and set a 4-hour maximum parking time for EV charging stalls. The council also directed staff to explore metered or networked charging for existing slow chargers and to ensure new chargers (Amtrak station project) will include pay-and-move features.
The motion passed on a roll-call vote; councilmembers Velez, Villegas, Hernandez and Mayor Julian voted aye and one member was absent.
Ending: The 4-hour limit applies to the city’s EV charging stalls; staff will prepare signage and an enforcement approach and will pursue networked/paid charging for new and upgraded chargers to encourage turnover.
