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White Salmon adopts ordinance requiring EV-ready infrastructure in new homes
Summary
The White Salmon City Council unanimously adopted Ordinance No. 2026-06-1188 on June 3, 2026, requiring electric vehicle–ready infrastructure in new residential construction while including exemptions where utility upgrades would be triggered; councilmembers noted concerns about costs to infill development and encouraged retrofit support programs.
The White Salmon City Council on June 3 adopted Ordinance No. 2026-06-1188, amending White Salmon Municipal Code Chapter 15.04 to require electric vehicle (EV)-ready infrastructure in new residential construction.
Mayor Marla Keethler opened the public hearing on the ordinance, and Councilmember David Lindley presented the proposal on behalf of City Lab, acknowledging Planner Rowan Fairfield’s work on the staff report. The ordinance would require passive EV-ready infrastructure for new homes, with exemptions when providing such infrastructure would reasonably require a larger electrical service upgrade.
Public Works staff and council members discussed the potential cost impact of the requirement. Staff relayed an estimate from Klickitat Public Utility District (KPUD) that the panel-component of adding EV-ready capacity typically ranges from about $50 to $200, not including any larger transformer or service upgrades that would be borne by the developer unless an exemption applies.
During public testimony, Mark Lemley, an inside-city resident, said potential transformer and service-upgrade costs for infill properties could affect housing affordability and urged caution. Kate Bennett, an inside-city resident, said installing passive EV-ready infrastructure during construction is substantially less expensive than retrofitting later and noted the ordinance requires only passive infrastructure rather than a charger or vehicle ownership.
Councilmembers expressed general support for the ordinance’s intent to reduce emissions and prepare for increased EV use, while also urging staff to monitor cost impacts and equity implications. Members discussed the distinction between applying requirements to new construction versus addressing retrofit needs for existing homes and encouraged City Lab to explore potential programs or partnerships to help homeowners with future retrofits.
Ben Giant moved to adopt the ordinance and Patty Fink seconded. The motion passed unanimously: Giant — Aye, Fink — Aye, Rainbolt — Aye, Mora — Aye, Lindley — Aye. The ordinance text establishes the EV-ready requirement for new residential construction; implementation details and timeline were not specified in the meeting record.
Councilmembers noted next steps include monitoring the ordinance’s effects on housing development and continuing to consider retrofit support options for existing homeowners.
