EV Charging Infrastructure Requirements

Building permit applications for new residential buildings applied for on or after January 1, 2023, must comply with the EV charging infrastructure requirements as adopted by the City of Kamloops.

The EV charging infrastructure requirements only apply to new buildings. Specifically, Sections 4.22 and 4.23 of Zoning Bylaw No. 55 do not apply to parking spaces required for units included in a development for which on or before January 1, 2023:
• a development permit has been authorized
• a building permit application has been accepted for the development in accordance with the City’s Building Bylaw No. 11-80

These requirements enable all new residential developments to have electrical infrastructure for EV charging. There are distinct requirements for smaller buildings (Part 9) and larger buildings (Part 3), based on the height and footprint specifications referenced in the BC Building Code.

Note: Part 9 (Standard) Residential Use Development refers to buildings three storeys and under in height and with a footprint of 600m2 or less.
To ensure new homes are built with ready access to a power supply capable of providing Level 2 EV charging, the following requirements must be met:
- An electrical wire rated for a 60 Amp circuit shall be installed at time of construction, originating from the electrical panel, and terminating at a junction box near the parking space, to ensure that a minimum of one parking space per dwelling unit is capable of supplying power to a Level 2 EV charger when it is installed by a future occupant.
- Parking space required for a residential suite is exempt from this requirement.
Note: Part 3 (Complex) Residential Use Development refers to buildings over three storeys in height or over 600 m2.
To ensure new residential buildings are designed and constructed with sufficient electrical capacity, physical space, and other infrastructure needed to enable access to a power supply capable of providing Level 2 EV charging, the following requirements must be met:
- An EV-capable plan, completed by a registered professional electrical engineer, shall be submitted at time of building permit application, specifying the electrical design, BC Hydro service capacity and other infrastructure needed to ensure that a minimum of one parking space per dwelling unit is capable of supplying power to a Level 2 EV charger when it is installed by a future occupant.
- Parking space designated for visitor parking is exempt from this requirement.
- Electrical conduit or raceway, as specified in the EV-capable plan, shall be designed and installed at time of construction (as applicable) such that any future wiring needed to supply power to the EV charger(s) will not require substantial disruption of building finishes, concrete, or landscaping.
- Compliance with the EV-capable plan must be demonstrated prior to final inspection, including, but not limited to, electrical service capacity and allocation of physical space for all electrical and EV charging infrastructure as specified in the EV-capable plan.
For more details on the EV charging infrastructure requirements for Part 9 and Part 3 buildings, reference Sections 4.22 and 4.23 of Kamloops’ Zoning Bylaw No. 55.
An EV-capable plan outlines a strategy for satisfying the EV charging infrastructure requirements for Part 3 residential use development and identifies the electrical service capacity and infrastructure required at the time of construction.
The EV-capable plan must be prepared by a registered professional engineer and documentation of the plan shall be provided to the strata corporation/property owner by the developer. Details on the scope, methodology, and deliverables of an acceptable EV-capable plan are outlined in the EV Charging Infrastructure Guidelines for Residential Development document.

Background

Supporting access to EV charging at home is a priority action in the City's EV and E-Bike Strategy and Community Climate Action Plan. By 2035, provincial and federal regulations will require all new passenger vehicles to be zero emissions. As such, the goal is to prepare new residential development for the transition to electric transportation.

The availability of EV charging infrastructure at home (and on the go) is a key factor in the decision to purchase an EV. New homes can be equipped with EV charging infrastructure at a relatively modest cost when compared to retrofitting. Technology such as EV management systems allow many charging ports to use a single circuit simultaneously. This makes it more practical to install EV charging in multi-family buildings.

As recommended in the EV and E-Bike Strategy, future amendments to the Zoning Bylaw may require new commercial and institutional developments to provide a specified portion of EV-capable parking.

Levels of EV Readiness
New residential development in Kamloops must provide one EV-capable parking stall (refer to graphic below) per dwelling unit effective January 1, 2023.

More Information and Resources

- EV Charging Infrastructure Guidelines for Residential Development
- Zoning Bylaw
- Building Permits
- Steps for Stratas to Get EV Ready
- Inquiries: email building@kamloops.ca or call 250-828-3554

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