Arapahoe County planning commission recommends code changes to allow electric vehicle charging stations

The Arapahoe County Planning Commission voted 4–0 on Jan. 20 to recommend approval of amendments to the county Land Development Code and Development Application Manual that add rules for electric vehicle charging stations.

Molly Orkel Larsen, principal planner with the Public Works Department, told the commission the changes are intended to implement a recent state directive to streamline permitting and make electric vehicle (EV) charging more convenient and consistent across jurisdictions. "What’s before you tonight is the land development code and development application manual amendments to add electric charging stations," she said.

Planner Ray Fields reviewed where EV stations would be allowed. Staff proposes treating larger, standalone charging hubs as a principal use requiring special review in some low-density zones, while allowing accessory installations (one to a few chargers) in many commercial and mixed-use zones. "We're looking to include electric charging stations as a principal and accessory use within the land development code," Fields said, noting the distinction will often be made case by case rather than by a fixed numerical cutoff.

Commissioners focused questions on safety, equipment standards and utility capacity. Fields said EV equipment must comply with the National Electric Code and National Fire Protection Association standards and be certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory before building-division review. He said staff contacted local fire districts and that most reported they had training and equipment to respond; staff also presented comparative fire-incident figures during the presentation to characterize relative risk.

Questions about the electrical grid and cost allocation drew fewer firm commitments. Commissioner Latsis asked whether utilities such as Xcel Energy had been pulled into planning to assess capacity and cost impacts; staff said they had reached out but had not received detailed utility responses and that developers typically work with utilities on capacity and project-specific costs.

Avery Wolf, a consultant participating remotely, said many installations start as accessory chargers at retail sites such as grocery stores, but that primary-use charging hubs are becoming more common and that she expects the market to develop over time. "Most of the projects we're seeing are accessories to an existing site," Wolf said.

During the hearing, Commissioner Sauve moved to recommend approval of the proposed amendments and to authorize the county attorney and staff to make technical corrections to the text. Commissioner Miller seconded the motion. The commission conducted a roll-call vote; four members voted yes and the motion carried. Staff said the item will go to the Board of County Commissioners for a hearing in March.

The commission also announced its Feb. 17 agenda, which includes a Sky Ranch specific development plan and a conventional rezone for Mountain View Gardens, before adjourning.

What happens next: The Planning Commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners, which will consider the amendments in a future public hearing in March.