Submitted By
Ahmad M. Zayyad, Deputy Village Manager / Interim Director of Development Customer Services
Reviewed By
LKS
Agenda Item Title
Title
An Ordinance Amending Chapter 15 (“Motor Vehicles & Traffic”), Article 5 (“Schedule of Fines and Penalties for Certain Minor Traffic Violations, Parking and Vehicle License Violations”), Section 15-5-5 (“Specific Violation of the Illinois Vehicle Code Adopted by Reference”) of the Oak Park Village Code to Adopt By Reference 625 ILCS 5/11-1308 (“Unauthorized Use of Parking Places Reserved for Electric Vehicles”)
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Overview
Overview
The proposed Ordinance amends the Village Code to adopt a provision of the Illinois Vehicle Code, prohibiting non-electric vehicles from parking in spaces reserved for electric vehicle charging and allowing violators to be cited accordingly by the Oak Park Police Department.
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Recommendation
Recommendation
Adopt the Ordinance.
Background
In fall of 2022, the Village was selected to participate in the inaugural cohort of the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus’ EV Readiness Program. The program, sponsored by ComEd, provides the Village with free technical assistance and training in a variety of critical areas as the Village works towards its designation as an “EV Ready Community.” The inaugural cohort is comprised of sixteen communities: Aurora, Carol Stream, Chicago, Darien, Deer Park, Geneva, Glencoe, Hampshire, Hanover Park, Kane County, Maywood, Oak Park, Polo, Richton Park, Skokie, and University Park.
Member communities are tasked with following a pathway toward EV Ready Bronze, Silver or Gold designation by completing a number of fundamental tasks presented in the EV Readiness Checklist. By completing these tasks, cohort communities will develop clear permitting for EV charging infrastructure, analyze zoning and parking codes to address barriers to EV infrastructure, engage the community, and participate in technical and safety training for staff.
All of the Village’s publicly-accessible charging stations are equipped with signage as well as unique striping that designates the space as an EVCS. Despite these physical elements at the EVCS, the Village Code does not currently have a specific reference to the provision of the Illinois Vehicle Code that prohibits a non-electric vehicle from parking in these spaces. Chapter 15 (“Motor Vehicles & Traffic”), Article 5 (“Specific Violation of the Illinois Vehicle Code Adopted by Reference”) of the Oak Park Village Code must be updated to adopt 625 ILCS 5/11-1308, which is the provision of the Illinois Vehicle Code that prohibits a non-electric vehicle from parking at an electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS). A copy of the complete provision of the Illinois Vehicle Code is included in the attachments for this agenda item. The proposed Ordinance also deletes from the Village Code various provisions from the Illinois Vehicle Code that were adopted by reference and have since been repealed.
Fiscal Impact
N/A
DEI Impact
This Ordinance, if approved, will authorize the Village to prohibit non-electric vehicles from utilizing parking spaces designated for electric vehicle charging stations. Signage and space striping already exist, marking these spaces as reserved for electric vehicle charging, so staff believes that the public is already aware of the provision and no further education is needed. Staff does not anticipate there being any adverse effects if this Ordinance is approved.
This Ordinance, if approved, is in alignment with DP02 of the Climate Ready Oak Park plan (CROP): Implement coordinated parking asset management strategies, inclusive of shared mobility.
Alternatives
Alternatively, the Village Board could deny the Ordinance or request additional information.
Previous Board Action
N/A
Citizen Advisory Commission Action
N/A
Anticipated Future Actions/Commitments
N/A
Intergovernmental Cooperation Opportunities
N/A