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A Discussion and Potential Adoption of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 15 (“Motor Vehicles and Traffic”) Article 3 (“Parking”), Section 15-3-18 (“Electric Vehicle Charging Stations”) to Establish Time Limits and Idle Fees for Public Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
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Introduction
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This agenda item requests the Village Board to review and potentially adopt an ordinance establishing three-hour time limits and idle fees for Village owned, operated or hosted sites for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.
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Recommended Action
Provide feedback to staff and adopt an ordinance amending Section 15-3-18 of the Village Code to establish a three-hour maximum occupancy limit, post-charging grace period, and idle fee structure for Village-operated electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, including administrative flexibility for permit holders.
Prior Board Action
There is no prior Board action associated with this item.
Background
As electric vehicle adoption continues to increase, the Village’s public EV charging stations are experiencing higher utilization and longer dwell times. A recurring operational challenge is vehicles remaining parked in charging spaces beyond active charging or for extended durations, limiting access for other users and reducing overall charger availability.
The Village currently regulates EV charging through a user fee structure established in Section 15-3-18(O), which charges users twenty-five cents ($0.25) per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of energy dispensed. However, the Village Code does not currently address post-charging behavior or establish time limits for EV charging spaces.
This proposed ordinance amendment introduces a structured framework to improve charger availability and user turnover, including a three-hour maximum occupancy limit, a 30-minute grace period upon completion of charging, and a $0.25 per minute idle fee thereafter. Idle fees would apply following the 30-minute grace period after charging is complete or upon reaching the three-hour maximum occupancy limit, whichever occurs first. Idle fees will be administered through the EV charging network provider and not through parking citations.
The ordinance also provides an exemption for permit holders associated with the specific facility where the EV charger is located, allowing the Village to configure separate charging parameters for permit holders, including extended charging durations without idle fees.
This approach aligns with industry best practices and peer municipalities, including Evanston, which has implemented time limits and post-charging fees to promote turnover and efficient use of EV charging infrastructure.
This item supports the Village’s sustainability goals and ongoing efforts to expand and manage EV infrastructure effectively. The proposed framework is intended to manage dwell time rather than generate revenue and aligns with industry best practices for public EV charging operations.
Timing Considerations
Timely adoption of this ordinance will allow staff to implement the idle fee framework in coordination with the EV charging network provider and install appropriate signage and communication prior to activation. Implementation is anticipated to occur within 60-90 days following Board approval.
Financial Impact
There is no financial impact associated with this item. While the proposed framework is not intended as a revenue-generating measure, any fees collected would be accounted for in this fund 5060.43770.101.422486
Operations Impact
This item will require staff coordination within Development Services Parking and Mobility Services and with the Village’s EV charging network provider to configure system parameters, update signage, and implement public communication. Staff time will be allocated toward system configuration, policy implementation, and ongoing monitoring.
DEI Impact
The proposed framework promotes equitable access to EV charging infrastructure by increasing charger availability and reducing prolonged occupancy. Improved turnover supports broader access for all users, including residents and visitors who rely on public charging.
Community Input
Staff has received direct communication from residents and users indicating limited access to EV charging stations due to vehicles remaining parked beyond active charging. This feedback, along with observed usage patterns, helped guide the development of the proposed time limits and idle fee framework.
Staff Recommendation
Adopt the ordinance.
Advantages:
• Improves availability and turnover of EV charging stations.
• Reduces reliance on enforcement staff and citations.
• Aligns with industry standards and peer municipalities.
• Provides clear and predictable user expectations.
• Maintains flexibility for permit-based parking operations.
Disadvantages:
• This action may require user adjustments to new time limits and fee structure.
• Requires initial implementation effort for signage and communication.
Alternatives
Alternative 1:
The Board could elect not to adopt the ordinance.
Advantages:
• This action would result in no change to current operations.
• No implementation effort would be required.
Disadvantages:
• This action would result in the continued limited availability of EV charging stations.
• This action could result in ongoing user frustration and inefficiencies.
• This action can result in increased reliance on staff intervention.
Alternative 2:
The Board could elect to implement time limits without idle fees.
Advantages:
• This may be a simpler structure for users.
• Reduced system configuration requirements.
Disadvantages:
• This action may be less effective at encouraging turnover.
• This action may need increased enforcement through citations.
• This action can result in reduced operational effectiveness compared to industry best practices.
Anticipated Future Actions
There are no anticipated future actions in relation to this item.
Prepared By: Marlin Jackson, Parking and Mobility Services Manager
Reviewed By: Craig Failor, Director of Development Services
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
Attachment(s):
1. Ordinance
2. Session Length Histogram