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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.

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.