City planners say the new rules would ensure an efficient distribution of charging infrastructure across the city and prevent an overconcentration in residential areas.
The Austin City Council is considering changes to the city’s regulations on electric vehicle charging stations, reports Jo Clifton in Austin Monitor. “According to the city’s Climate Equity Plan, by 2030, Austin should have ‘a compelling and equitably distributed mix of level 1, 2, and DC fast charging infrastructure to accommodate 40 percent of total vehicle miles traveled in the city. This translates to 226 megawatts of electrical load and could mean more than 37,000 charging ports.’”
City planners say they want to avoid concentrating EV charging stations in residential and “pedestrian-friendly” areas. “The proposed regulations would permit electric vehicle charging stations at existing gas stations and discontinued gas stations, so long as a subsequent use of the site did not include a restaurant or a residential use.” EV chargers could also be located on commercial sites, highway-adjacent properties, industrial sites, and other non-residential zones.
The proposed rules also include regulations limiting the size of charging stations and their proximity to other chargers, which industry experts are pushing back on.
The council will consider the proposed rules on May 16.
FULL STORY: New rules in the works for electric vehicle charging stations (Austin, TX)
Oakland to Add 244 New EV Chargers
Oakland plans to launch its new charging network at eight locations by the end of 2025.
EV Chargers Now Outnumber Gas Pumps by Nearly 50% in California
Fast chargers still lag behind amidst rapid growth.
Making The Switch To EVs Requires Robust Charging Infrastructure
With more states outlawing the sales of gas-powered vehicles and the federal government setting ambitious electrification goals, now is the time to invest in critical charging infrastructure.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
DARTSpace Platform Streamlines Dallas TOD Application Process
The Dallas transit agency hopes a shorter permitting timeline will boost transit-oriented development around rail stations.
The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug in about as much time as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.
Supreme Court Ruling in Pipeline Case Guts Federal Environmental Law
The decision limits the scope of a federal law that mandates extensive environmental impact reviews of energy, infrastructure, and transportation projects.
Texas State Bills to Defund Dallas Transit Die
DART would have seen a 30% service cut, $230M annual losses had the bills survived.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission
City of Mt Shasta
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)