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)
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.
New York State Finances $60M Loan for EV Charging Infrastructure
Gov. Hochul announced the investment just as a federal program for EV charging infrastructure was halted by administration officials.
Federal EV Charging Program Suspended
The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program planned to fund the construction of hundreds of EV charging stations across the country.
What ‘The Brutalist’ Teaches Us About Modern Cities
How architecture and urban landscapes reflect the trauma and dysfunction of the post-war experience.
‘Complete Streets’ Webpage Deleted in Federal Purge
Basic resources and information on building bike lanes and sidewalks, formerly housed on the government’s Complete Streets website, are now gone.
The VW Bus is Back — Now as an Electric Minivan
Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz reimagines its iconic Bus as a fully electric minivan, blending retro design with modern technology, a 231-mile range, and practical versatility to offer a stylish yet functional EV for the future.
Healing Through Parks: Altadena’s Path to Recovery After the Eaton Fire
In the wake of the Eaton Fire, Altadena is uniting to restore Loma Alta Park, creating a renewed space for recreation, community gathering, and resilience.
San Diego to Rescind Multi-Unit ADU Rule
The city wants to close a loophole that allowed developers to build apartment buildings on single-family lots as ADUs.
Electric Vehicles for All? Study Finds Disparities in Access and Incentives
A new UCLA study finds that while California has made progress in electric vehicle adoption, disadvantaged communities remain underserved in EV incentives, ownership, and charging access, requiring targeted policy changes to advance equity.
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.
City of Albany
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research