Arapahoe County advances land‑use code updates to allow electric‑vehicle charging stations

Arapahoe County planning staff outlined proposed amendments to the county’s land-development code to incorporate requirements from the state’s electric-vehicle model code. Staff said the changes are required for counties over 20,000 people under state law and are intended to standardize permitting, improve convenience for EV users, and support greenhouse-gas reduction goals.

Planner Ray Fields (staff) summarized proposed changes including: definitions for primary and accessory EV-charging uses; permitting EV charging as an accessory use in most zones (not allowed in flood plains); special review for some residential townhome (R-2B) and agricultural corridors; screening and setback standards; and design options such as solar-canopy awnings. Staff emphasized that EV chargers themselves must meet the National Electrical Code and National Fire Protection Association standards and be approved by nationally recognized testing laboratories.

Commissioners raised questions about fire risk and maintenance. Staff said the larger fire concern is vehicle fires, not the charging stations themselves, and that local fire districts report varying levels of readiness; staff is coordinating with the Colorado Energy Office to explore training or grant support for fire-district readiness. Commissioners also requested clearer cross-references to zoning district setback standards in the draft code. The board gave informal consensus to move the draft to Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners hearings in January/February.