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Edmond requires emergency disconnects on new EV chargers in updated building code
Summary
Council adopted an amendment to the city building code (Ordinance No. 4009) requiring emergency-disconnect locations and visible signage for new electric vehicle charging stations, applying to new installs but not retroactive to existing chargers; staff said the city is working with utilities and vendor partners on implementation.
Edmond — The City Council on Sept. 23 adopted an amendment to the municipal building code to regulate the installation and emergency-disconnect location for electric vehicle charging stations.
Kirsten Ledington, director of Building and Safety, and Captain Jesse Veni of the Fire Prevention Office told council the measure responds to emerging safety issues associated with EV charging and battery fires that other municipalities have experienced. The ordinance adds a new section (16.04.300) requiring an emergency disconnect location that is visible and accessible and also requires lighting, signage and design standards that follow the fuel-gas code approach. The rule applies to new installations only; staff said retrofitting existing chargers would be recommended but is more complex to require by ordinance.
Councilmembers asked whether the requirement could be applied to city-owned chargers; staff said they are discussing retrofit options with internal stakeholders and utility partners. The council voted to approve the ordinance.
What happens next: The building and fire departments will incorporate the new standard into permit reviews for new charging station installations and continue conversations about potential retrofit options for existing stations.
