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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTA23-03 Planning Board Staff ReportSTAFF REPORT FOR TA23-03 TEXT AMENDMENT APPLICATION APPLICATION SUMMARY Case Number: TA23-03 Request: To amend Articles 2 and 5 of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) in order to provide for Electric Vehicle (EV) Parking Standards. Applicant: Subject Ordinances: New Hanover County Unified Development Ordinance Purpose & Intent: This amendment updates the Unified Development Ordinance to provide for new standards for EV Charging Stations and parking. 1. Definition Update, UDO Section 2.3 a. Addition of definition of EV charging levels: I, II & III. 2. Outlining standards for EV-ready parking spaces when installed, including space, size, location and signage. a. Updating Section 5.1.2, Minimum Off-Street Parking Standards: i. Minimum Number of Required Spaces. ii. Electric Vehicle Parking Space design requirements, including size, equipment protection, signage and usage fees where applicable. iii. Accessible Facilities (ADA Standards for EV Parking Spaces) b. Requiring that minimum electric capacity and conduit be provided for potential charging stations. BACKGROUND A 2021 Biden Executive Order and 2022 Cooper Executive Order have established federal and state goals for zero-emission vehicles, that 50% of new vehicles in the U.S. be zero-emission by 2030 and at least 1.25 million registered zero emission vehicles in N.C. by 2030. While zero- emission vehicles technically include bicycles and hydrogen-fueled vehicles, most commonly, zero- emission automobiles are electric vehicles (EVs), which along with hybrid vehicles (such as the Toyota Prius), are expected to account for more than half of all light vehicles sold world-wide by 2026, according to a Boston Consulting Group study (2021). Zero-emission EVs, also referred to as battery electric vehicles or BEVs, are powered by a battery that is charged by plugging the vehicle into charging equipment. That same equipment can also be used to charge plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), which have both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor and must be charged to operate in all-electric mode. Typical BEVs have driving ranges from 150-300 miles, so local residents using these vehicles may be able to charge sufficiently at home, but most PHEVs can only travel between 20 and 40 miles on electricity alone, so additional charging locations may be required for them to function with zero emissions. Demand for charging stations from tourist vehicles and charging needs for fleet vehicles are also a consideration in New Hanover County. There are three basic types of EV charging stations: Level 1 plugs, the standard wall outlet of 120 volts; Level 2 plugs, which are 240 volts, and Level 3 DC Fast Charging plugs. Level 1 plugs are the slowest chargers (providing 2-5 miles of range per charge hour). As such, they are generally used in single family homes but can also be installed as part of multi-family or condo developments. Level 2 plugs charge quite a bit faster (10-30 miles of range per charge hour) and can be appropriate in a wide variety of locations, including homes of all types, workplaces, fleet parking areas, and public charging stations where longer parking stays are anticipated (parking decks, etc.). Level 3 plugs provide the fastest charges (150+ miles of range per charge hour) and are generally used specifically for shorter term charging. As a note, charging stations may be specifically formatted for certain types of electric vehicles; some automakers, such as Tesla, operate their own charging networks to make their products more convenient. Overall, the Wilmington area has 26 Level 2 public charging plugs and 24 public DC Fast Charging plugs, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. New Hanover County Need for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Currently, electric vehicles only make up a small percentage of vehicles registered in New Hanover County—0.6% or 1,049 vehicles as of the end of May 2023—but NHC has the tenth highest percentage and the eighth highest number of BEVs and PHEVs in North Carolina, respectively. Since 2018, NCDOT has been tracking the types of vehicles registered at the state and local level to monitor trends in the move to more fuel-efficient vehicles. Over this period of time, New Hanover County’s electric vehicle growth has mirrored that of the state as a whole. The number of BEVs alone in the county (1,049) has tripled since 2020 (339), and if this rate of growth increases, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends that the Wilmington area have 28 Level 2 workplace charging plugs, 38 Level 2 public charging plugs, and 5 public DC Fast Charging plugs by 2024. By 2026, 65 Level 2 workplace charging plugs, 93 Level 2 public charging plugs, and 9 public DC Fast Charging plugs are recommended. New Hanover County currently needs 7 more Level 2 plugs and only need 2 more public DC fast charging plugs to meet the estimated 2024 demand under this model; however, the DEG also recommends prioritizing DC Fast Charging plugs to enable long-distance travel, serve as charging safety nets, and provide charging for drivers without home charging options. These types of electric vehicle charging stations are also the most expensive and can be more difficult to retrofit sites to support. Considerations for Development Over the past decade, a number of communities have begun to adapt development regulations in order to better support the charging networks required for electric vehicles. Considerations for New Hanover County include where drivers are most likely to charge their electric vehicles, whether the development market is likely to supply charging stations without county incentives or requirements, the design needs for projects with charging stations, and the cost and difficulty to retrofit sites. This amendment is intended to make it as easy and cost effective for property owners to install EV charging stations in the future when it becomes feasible and/or necessary. There is general agreement that a large number of EV charging stations will be needed in the future, but there is not a clear picture of how many that is. • Studies indicate that most charging occurs either at home or the workplace where slower charging stations can be appropriate, but 30% of charging does take place in public areas, which would need to be designed for faster charging and more turnover. • The market has provided sufficient charging stations without county intervention to support likely electric vehicle needs through 2024 for public charging stations. Current data does not show that workplace charging plugs or opportunities for multi-family residents are met, however. Charging stations in these locations may require additional considerations than for public sites where drivers pay for charging at commercial-type stations to determine how the electricity will be paid for and allocated to users. Developments targeting different income levels of residents may also create inequities in provision of charging options, as well, though lower income residents are less likely to purchase EVs in the near term. • The provision of EV charging stations does impact site designs, including considerations of mounting, compliance with ADA, required electrical capacity and conduit for future outlets, location of charging areas, and clear signage. • Costs for installation of charging stations as retrofits in existing developments are increased when sites are not equipped with the conduit and electric capacity for charging. In addition, existing parking spaces may not be sized correctly to incorporate charging stations or comply with ADA requirements. • While there is an argument that the market will sufficiently provide for the EV Parking Spaces as EVs become more common, it is the goal of this text amendment to “futureproof” development in the unincorporated County so that new sites will be “EV Ready.” STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends approval of the attached amendment and suggests the following motion: I move to RECOMMEND APPROVAL of the proposed amendment to the New Hanover County Unified Development Ordinance to provide for new standards for EV Parking Standards and stations. I find it to be CONSISTENT with the purpose and intent of the Comprehensive Plan because it provides up-to-date tools that promote business success and promotes environmentally responsible growth. I also find RECOMMENDING APPROVAL of the proposed amendment reasonable and in the public interest because it provides for clear and effective ordinance standards.