Editor’s Note: This article originally inaccurately stated that the city’s ordinance required future multi-unit housing developments to include on-site electric vehicle charging stations. The ordinance mandates the installment of electrical equipment that can accommodate EV charging stations, but not that actual installment of EV charging stations.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — In the latest push to meet its carbon-reduction goals, the Portland City Council unanimously approved an ordinance on Wednesday that will require future multi-unit housing developments with on-site parking to prepare more spaces for EV charging stations.
The amendment to the city’s zoning code will require conduit, the tubing used for charging-station wiring, and electrical panel space in utility rooms to accommodate the addition of future charging stations. New housing complexes will be required to provide these accommodations at every parking space if there are six or fewer spaces in the building. Apartment buildings with seven or more spaces must include potential for EV-accommodations at 50% of parking spots.
Commissioner Carmen Rubio, who oversees the city’s Community and Economic Development service district, said the infrastructure-improvement project will aid the region’s transition to electric vehicles.
“This project will ensure that new residential development provides the infrastructure needed for future demand of electric vehicles and allows for a more equitably balanced expansion to those who would not otherwise have access to this infrastructure,” Rubio said.
Oregon House Bill 2180, passed in 2021, already requires new apartment complexes to include EV charging accommodations for 20% of parking spots. Portland’s new zoning law now exceeds that state mandate. The local ordinance will go into effect on March 31.