Tallery moves EV-charger permitting ordinance to print and signals broader policy discussion

The Tallery City Council on March 17 voted to pass to print an ordinance to add a streamlined permitting process for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations into the municipal code, fulfilling a state requirement first adopted in 2016.

City Attorney Mark Zamora and building staff explained that much of the ordinance reflects practices the city already follows; inspectors will work with existing residential and commercial installations to bring them into compliance without punitive measures. Building official Mario said installations require an electrical permit and that the city’s master fee schedule sets typical permit costs (often a few hundred dollars), though costs vary if panel upgrades are required.

Council members asked whether the ordinance also should be paired with a policymaking discussion about preferred siting, incentives or public-private partnerships for more charging stations near freeways and outlets. Staff noted private-property owners decide whether to install chargers and that the city can promote locations and consider incentives, but that formal policy direction would require a separate agenda item. Council members indicated they would like an item to explore a council-level strategy — including potential incentives, siting priorities near the outlet mall and the possibility of partnering with private property owners — and two council members volunteered to bring a joint request to agendaize that conversation.

The motion to pass the ordinance to print (first reading of section 120, chapter 4, title 4 of the municipal code) passed by voice vote.