Council advances zoning changes to boost EV charging access and tighten drive‑through layout rules

The Des Plaines City Council approved ordinance Z7‑26 on first reading to amend Title 12 of the zoning code to make electric‑vehicle (EV) charging allowances explicit and to standardize drive‑through facility layout and queuing rules.

Jeff Rogers, director of community development, said the amendments were recommended as part of the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus EV Readiness Program and would help the city seek a bronze designation under MMC guidelines. "Section 12.817, electric vehicle supply equipment, includes a substantial rewrite of all of the requirements to make them clear," Rogers said, summarizing changes that would clarify where and how chargers are allowed and would permit pedestal EV chargers in front yards in limited circumstances.

The ordinance also refines drive‑through stacking rules to reduce the risk of queuing that backs into public right‑of‑way, including a specified measurement point (menu board) and a requirement for six queuing spaces measured from that board and an escape‑lane exit from the queuing lane.

Rogers noted the ordinance was reviewed at a Planning & Zoning Board public hearing on March 10, where the PZB voted unanimously 5‑0 to recommend approval to council. After brief council questions about enforcement and measurement, a motion to approve Z7‑26 on first reading passed without recorded opposition.

The ordinance proceeds through required readings and administrative steps; staff said the code changes aim to facilitate EV access while preventing traffic impacts from high‑volume drive‑through operations.