Electric vehicle charging amendment

Learn more about the electric vehicle charging amendment

Background

On October 6, 2022, the City Council adopted updates to the zoning ordinance that incentivize the provision of electric vehicle chargers and related infrastructure in new development. These new regulations also now require EV chargers and infrastructure in new and expanded parking lots. The changes are summarized below.

The incentives utilize our existing points systems in the zoning code. Moving forward new developments must provide EV chargers and related infrastructure when pursuing PUD points, Height premium points, or FAR premium points for underground/enclosed parking.
For 1-3 unit development, there is a new standard that incentivizes EV charging.
For new surface parking lots of 20 spaces or more, or when a lot is expanded by 20 spaces or more, there is now a requirement to supply EV charging stations.

Read about the passage of Ordinance amending regulations related to electric vehicle charging

Goals of the amendment

Incentivizing the provision of electric vehicle charging infrastructure prepares new development for the ongoing market transition toward electric vehicles. Retrofits of existing buildings can be cost-prohibitive. Incentivizing the inclusion of this infrastructure at the time of building construction makes it more likely that more people will have access to this infrastructure in the long run. This amendment directly addresses the Minneapolis 2040 goals of…

Climate change resilience and Clean environment through supporting the growth of electric vehicle infrastructure.
Eliminate disparities by encouraging access to a variety of transportation technologies in new development.

Applicable sections of the zoning code

The following chapters of the zoning code are expected to be impacted by the proposed ordinance and are under consideration as part of the amendment:

Chapter 520, Introductory Provisions
Chapter 521, Zoning Districts and Maps Generally
Chapter 525, Administration and Enforcement
Chapter 527, Planned Unit Development
Chapter 529, Interim Ordinances
Chapter 530, Site Plan Review
Chapter 531, Nonconforming Uses and Structures
Chapter 535, Regulations of General Applicability
Chapter 536, Specific Development Standards
Chapter 537, Accessory Uses and Structures
Chapter 541, Off-Street Parking and Loading
Chapter 543, On-Premise Signs
Chapter 544, Off-Premise Advertising Signs and Billboards
Chapter 546, Residence Districts
Chapter 547, Office Residence Districts
Chapter 548, Commercial Districts
Chapter 549, Downtown Districts
Chapter 550, Industrial Districts
Chapter 551, Overlay Districts

Meetings

City Planning Commission Committee of the Whole (March 10, 2022)
City Planning Commission (September 6, 2022). This meeting includes the opportunity to provide testimony at a public hearing.
City Council Business, Inspections, Housing, and Zoning Committee (September, 28, 2022)
Minneapolis City Council (October 6, 2022)