Submitted By
Plan Commission through Ahmad Zayyad, Deputy Village Manager / Interim Director of Development Customer Services
Reviewed By
LKS
Agenda Item Title
Title
Concur with the Plan Commission and Adopt an Ordinance Amending Article 2 (“Definitions & Rules of Measurement”), Article 8 (“Uses”) and Article 10 (“Off- Street Parking & Loading”) of the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance regarding Electric Vehicle Charging Station Regulations
End
Overview
Overview
The Village of Oak Park participated in an Electric Vehicle (EV) consort initiated by the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus (MMC). The proposed text amendment is a product of the many meetings held with MMC and is in line with the Village Board’s Sustainability Goals. Staff supports the Plan Commission’s unanimous Recommendation. The proposed Zoning Ordinance text amendment will provided an opportunity for electric charging stations to service electric vehicles within the village thereby potentially reducing greenhouse gas pollutants through a reduction in fossil fuel emissions.
End
Recommendation
Recommendation
Adopt the Ordinance.
Background
The Zoning Ordinance text amendment application for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations was prepared by Village staff in response to both public interest and in association with the Metropolitian Mayors Caucus EV Readiness Program consort. The EV Readiness Program was modeled off the successful SolSmart program, which offered a checklist of actions, and resources to take effective action, to prepare for local solar development.
Electric Vehicle charging stations and demands for these are becoming more prevelant in the Chicagoland area, regionally, and nationally. According to MMC, “EVs are on the rise in Illinois, with nearly 70,000 registered within the state of Illinois, with new additionas being registered every month. The development of adequate EV charging infrastructure is essential to supporting customers in making the transition to an EV and reducing range anxiety. It is estimated that thousands more chargers will be needed in the years ahead to support new state goals for expanding EVs, with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory estimating between 18,000-36,000 additional fast charging stations needed statewide.”
Municipal members of the MMC EV consort are either currently in the process or have previously adopted zoning regulations relative to this subject. Several staff division members have been working with the MMC EV consort from Planning, Sustainability, Permits, Parking and Fleet. This Zoning Ordinance text amendment was vetted by the MMC-EV consort officals in preparation for the public hearing before the Oak Park Plan Commission.
In the fall of 2022, the MMC invited municipalities to participate in the new EV Readiness Program to prepare to meet the growing demand for EVs and EV charging infrastructure. Qualifying local governments applied to join an EV Readiness cohort and receive free technical assistance and training in a variety of critical areas as they work toward the designation of “EV Ready Community.” Local government members of the EV Readiness cohort follow a pathway toward EV Ready Bronze, Silver or Gold by completing a number of fundamental tasks presented in the EV Readiness Checklist. With guidance and resources assembled by the MMC’s EV-Readiness Team, municipal leaders 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.
Fiscal Impact
The cost of the legal notice publication was $224.00. There is adequate funding for this expense in the FY 23 budget in account # 1001-46202-101-550652 (Development Customer Services- Planning, Legal Postings & Documentation Fees).
DEI Impact
The propsoed Zoning Ordinance text amendment will provided an opportunity for electric charging stations to service electric vehicles within the village thereby potentially reducing greenhouse gas pollutants through a reduction in fossil fuel emissions.
Alternatives
Deny the Application.
Approve the Application with modifications.
Previous Board Action
N/A.
Citizen Advisory Commission Action
The Plan Commission held its public hearing for a Zoning Ordinance text amendment on October 5, 2023. The Plan Commission recommends approval of the Zoning Ordinance text amendment as presented. Staff supports the Plan Commission’s recommendation.
One person, Chris Donovan, spoke on this item. Mr. Donovan presented evidence relative to a privately owned property located at Roosevelt Road and Lyman Avenue. It was indicated by staff and the commission, that the proposed application was not intended for a specific location, but is proposed as a general regulation relative to EV Charging Stations for specified commercial zoning districts as special uses. The meeting can be viewed here: <https://www.oak-park.us/your-government/citizen-commissions/commission-tv>
Anticipated Future Actions/Commitments
N/A.
Intergovernmental Cooperation Opportunities
N/A.