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
The intent of these requirements is to enable all new residential development to be equipped with electrical infrastructure that facilitates easy and cost-effective access to electric vehicle charging at home. 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.
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. The primary objective is to future-proof new residential development for the transition to electric transportation, which is being driven by provincial and federal sales target regulations that require all new passenger vehicles to be zero emissions by 2035.
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. The use of technology, such as EV energy management systems, which allow multiple charging points to safely use a single circuit simultaneously, also makes it more feasible to install EV charging, particularly in multi-family residential 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.
