2500 Planning - Electric Vehicles - Undergrounding of UtilitiesMEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
THROUGH:
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
Yolanta Schwartz, Planning Director (19
Tony Dahlerbruch, City Manager
SUBJECT: Undergrounding of utility lines, electric vehicles
DATE: August 3, 2011
REQUEST
Staff requests direction from the City Council as to whether the requirement for
undergrounding of utility lines should apply to the installation or upgrade of an electric
panel for residential charging of electric vehicles.
BACKGROUND
With increasing gasoline prices, consumer interest in moving away from fossil fuels,
and State rebates, electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular among the public.
The City, in turn, has received a few inquires as to the approval process for installing
charging stations for personally owned electric cars.
There are two ways electricity can be provided for charging electric vehicles. One is to
install a home charging dock which requires a 220/240V 40 amp dedicated circuit
connected to a breaker. The charging dock is hard -wired directly to the circuit by a
certified electrician. The other is to purchase and install a separate 240V charging
station.
The City's Municipal Code (Section 17.27.030) requires all overhead utility lines to a
residence be undergrounded upon: •
A. Construction of any new primary or accessory building;
B. Remodeling of a primary or accessory building which entails enlargement
of the structure or alteration of the building footprint;
C. Lengthening or adding electrical lines servicing a building or parcel;
D. Relocating or increasingthe electrical panel servicing a building or parcel
Under subsection "D" above, the installation of the charging station or an upgrade of
the electrical panel triggers the undergrounding of overhead utility lines to a residence.
Many of the older homes in the City will require such an upgrade with the purchase
and charging of an electric vehicle.
DISCUSSION
Staff seeks to know if it is the City Council's intent and desire to require the
undergrounding of utility lines to a residence with electrical upgrades for electric
vehicles. If so, staff will proceed to implement the Municipal Code as it is written. If
not, will be necessary for the Planning Commission to consider a modification to the
Municipal Code. Their recommendation of an amendment to the Municipal Code
would be forwarded to the City Council for consideration and approval.
For information and reference, State Senate Bill 730 was introduced last legislative
session in response to a growing need for residential and commercial infrastructure
related to electric vehicles. The bill, had it passed, would have required cities to make
available an online building permit for residential and nonresidential property owners
who want to install electric vehicle charging equipment. It would have also required
that cities approve an online building permit within 24 hours of its receipt and prohibit
cities from introducing excessive regulations for the infrastructure related to electric
vehicles.
CONCLUSION
At an upcoming City Council meeting, staff will agendize this item for direction, asking
if it is the City Council's desire for the Planning Commission to consider a modification
to the Municipal Code allowing for electrical vehicle charging improvements without
undergrounding overhead utility lines to a residence.
Page 2 of 2
eere/ 4 Reetept9 qetil
INCORPORATED JANUARY 24, 1957
NO.2 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD
ROLLING HILLS, CA 90274
(310) 377-1521
FAX (310) 377-7288
PANEL INSTALLATION FOR
ELECTRIC VEHICLE
To upgrade or install electrical panel for
an electric vehicle, you must first call
(800) 4EV-INFO or (800) 438-4636.
From that call, the process will begin,
along with providing a rate analysis for
the customer.
City's approval and permits are also required.
Please call City Hall at 310-377-1521 for further information.
PUBLIC:FLYERS:electric vehicle electrical panel installation.doc
&fey 01 Rotte/49 gee&
INCORPORATED JANUARY 24, 1957
NO. 2 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD
ROLLING HILLS, CA 90274
(310) 377-1521
FAX (310) 377-7288
PANEL INSTALLATION FOR
ELECTRIC VEHICLE
To upgrade or install electrical panel for
an electric vehicle, you must first call
(800)-4EV-INFO or (800)-438-4636.
From that call, the process will begin,
along with providing a rate analysis for
the customer.
,,rrkotrote
This 's e n ber to call or . ► , cus . er lin, _- • ' ' i • _ •
an elec - vehi
cam% of -e 2,Lb -v?7(Q
PUBLIC:FLYERS:electric vehicle electrical panel installation.doc