Electric Vehicle Charging Permits
There are three options for installing an electric vehicle (EV) charging stations for your home or business:
If you already have off-street parking such as a garage, driveway, or parking pad:
1. If your charger is going to be mounted to a post in a new hole in the ground and within 50 feet of an Urban Forest Tree, located on your property, on a neighbor’s land, or City right-of-way you must submit a Request for a Tree Impact Assessment.
2. Apply for an electrical permit from Montgomery County for an existing driveway, garage or parking pad.
Installing NEW off-street parking, garage, driveway, or parking pad:
1. If you are adding a driveway, parking pad, garage, or installing a Curbside EV charger within 50 feet of an Urban Forest Tree, located on your property, on a neighbor’s land, or City right-of-way, you must submit a Request for a Tree Impact Assessment.
It is recommended to submit the Tree Impact Assessment FIRST. For more information on Tree Permits: https://takomaparkmd.gov/services/permits/tree-permits/
2. Apply for a City of Takoma Park driveway apron permit for the apron portion of the driveway. Construction of the driveway or parking pad may need a county construction permit as would a garage. Check with the County Department of Permitting Services.
3. If you are located in the historic district, constructing a new parking pad, driveway, or garage will also require a Historic Area Work Permit.
4. Once your driveway or parking area is completed you can complete the EV Charger Montgomery County electrical permit application.
Curbside Residential Charging Station Within the Public Right of Way
If the property does not have any off-street parking, and can meet all installation qualifications, you can apply to place an EV charger in the public right of way (ROW).
Permits will be issued for Level 1 and Level 2 EV chargers. If you are interested in installing a DC Fast Charger in the ROW please contact Public Works Deptuy Director, Ian Chamberlain, at IanC@takomaparkmd.gov before applying.
Currently, there is no local regulation to prevent cars from blocking an on-street private EV charger. This may change. If you would like to share your opinion on how Takoma Park should or should not regulate parking for private on-street EV chargers please email IanC@takomaparkmd.gov.
You will need:
1. City of Takoma Park Curbside Charging Permit application.
2. Historic Area Letter. If you are in the historic district you will need a letter from the City of Takoma Park to submit to Montgomery County Historic Preservation office. A Historic Area Work Permit is not required, however the Historic Preservation office must be aware of the installation in order to receive the Montgomery County EV charger electrical permit. Instructions will be provided when you submit your City of Takoma Park Curbside Charging Permit application.
2. Takoma Park Indemnity and Insurance Agreement.
3. Montgomery County EV charger electrical permit.
Required Tree Impact Assessments
If you are adding a driveway, parking pad, garage, or installing a Curbside EV charger within 50 feet of an Urban Forest Tree, located on your property, on a neighbor’s land, or City right-of-way, you must submit a Request for a Tree Impact Assessment.
It is recommended to submit the Tree Impact Assessment FIRST. For more information on Tree Permits: https://takomaparkmd.gov/services/permits/tree-permits/
Installation
For curbside units once construction is complete, an inspection is required by the City of Takoma Park Public Works Department.
Operation
The owner is responsible for the safe operation of the EV charging station and must follow the conditions of the permits. The owner is solely responsible for any and all liability and damage associated with the station. If the ROW permit is revoked, the property owner is responsible for removing the EV charging equipment and restoring the public right of way to its original condition.
Willing to Consider Other Options
The City of Takoma Park is modeling its guidelines on those established by Montgomery County.
If none of the options presented suit your specific needs we invite you to contact us with a proposal. The City is willing to evaluate the feasibility and safety of other options. Please email the Public Works Deputy Director, Ian Chamberlain, at IanC@takomaparkmd.gov
Indemnity Agreement
Application
Design and Placement Guidelines for curbside charging stations:
- The space must comply with existing posted parking restrictions;
- Avoid conflicts with other utility infrastructure (existing utilities and laterals must be shown on site diagram for permit);
- Installation shall be at least 6 feet from fire hydrants;
- Avoid interference with vehicular sight lines at street corners or driveways;
- Minimize the removal of vegetation;
- Maximize the number of parking spaces the EV charging station could serve;
- EV charging station cords must not cross over sidewalks, walkways, or driveways without an approved cover;
- Installation shall be at least 18 inches from the face of the curb (in the planting strip if one is present); and,
- Preserve sidewalk width (path of travel), no less than 3 feet.
- Position the EV charging station such that the stored connector is at a height of 24 inches to 48 inches above the parking surface;
- The owner is solely responsible for the protection of the station and may use a concrete-filled steel bollard if there is not an adequate curb and setback;
- You may install an enclosure.lock, or cage around the EV charging station to protect and control its use; if the charging station is not fully enclosed, the charging station cord and connector must be secured when not in use;
- Orient the EV charging station such that an enclosure door will not open past the curb face or over the sidewalk;
- The owner is responsible for any and all liability associated with the charging station;
- Minimize the size of any enclosure around a charging station or cord. Colors and materials for any enclosure should minimize their visibility and integrate with the design of surrounding buildings and landscaping;
- No advertising is permitted on the charging station or associated enclosure.
- The City has the right to refuse a permit if conditions cannot be met or for reasons not listed. Any refusal will be explained.
