Pingree Grove adds electric-vehicle infrastructure rules to zoning code

Trustees voted to adopt an ordinance amending Title 11 of the village code to add a new chapter on electric vehicles, staff said, aligning local zoning with Illinois law and setting minimum standards for EV-capable infrastructure.

Hannah, a village planner who presented the item, said the update defines common EV infrastructure terms, distinguishes charger levels and EV-capable infrastructure from active charging stations, sets screening and use restrictions, and ties required minimum EV parking stalls at residential properties to Illinois state law. "We currently have no existing provisions surrounding electric vehicle infrastructure in our zoning code," Hannah said, and staff combined features from neighboring municipalities to craft the update.

Staff clarified the ordinance is not retroactive — existing parking lots will not be required to install chargers — but said larger new developments may be required to provide EV charging or EV-capable stalls. Nick, another staff member, said the village joined an EV readiness program that provides technical assistance and potential grant access. The code specifies that level 1 and level 2 chargers are allowed for residential uses, while DC fast chargers are limited to commercial sites.

Trustees asked about flexibility for constrained sites (for example, small or historic downtown lots). Staff said the village can address such sites in development agreements or via conditions during site-plan review. After questions, a trustee moved, seconded and the board approved the ordinance on a roll call vote.

Staff said adopting the chapter will allow the village to seek grant funding and technical assistance and to display its EV-readiness certification.