Title
Introduction of Ordinance Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by Adding Section 8-8.9 (Electric Vehicle Charging) to Article 8-8 (General Parking Regulations) of Chapter VIII (Traffic, Motor Vehicles and Alternative Transportation Modes), to Limit the Use of Designated Parking Spaces at Curbside Locations and City-Owned Parking Facilities to Electric Vehicles that are Connected for Electric Charging Purposes.
In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), this project is exempt from CEQA review under CEQA Guidelines sections 15308 (not a project), 15061(b)(3) (common law sense exemption) and 15308 (Actions by Regulatory Agencies for Protection of the Environment). (Public Works 265)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Jennifer Ott, City Manager
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Staff is recommending consideration of an ordinance adding Section 8-8.9 (Electric Vehicle Charging) to Article 8-8 (General Parking Regulations) to the Alameda Municipal Code. This ordinance will make it unlawful to park in a public parking space designated for Electric Vehicles (EV), unless the vehicle is connected to a charger.
BACKGROUND
Staff is prioritizing deployment of new public EV charging in public parking lots, in the public right-of-way and operates existing public EV chargers at Civic Center Garage and Seaplane Lagoon ferry terminal. Based on complaints received from the public, staff believes there is a need for an enforcement mechanism to require that EV charging spots be only for Electric Vehicles that are connected to the charger (but not necessarily actively charging).
DISCUSSION
Transportation makes up over half of Alameda’s total greenhouse gas emissions. Deployment of public EV charging in public parking lots and in the public right-of-way is necessary to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet Alameda’s ambitious Climate Action and Resiliency Goals. In a related agenda item this evening, the Council will be considering the citywide rollout of EV chargers in existing public right-of-way curbside parking spaces as well as public parking lots. The attached ordinance authorizes the Public Works Director to designate EV parking spaces, requires adequate signage and imposes an initial penalty of $45.00 for parking violations. A mechanism to ensure parking spaces are being used properly for EV charging is crucial to achieving these goals and ensuring the availability of public EV charging for those who need it.
ALTERNATIVES
• Accept the ordinance as drafted.
• Request amendments to the ordinance.
• Do not accept the ordinance and provide different direction to staff.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
It is not the purpose of this ordinance to generate additional revenue for the City of Alameda (City), however to the extent that vehicles do not abide by the rules of the ordinance, the City would earn revenue from tickets for those violations. The Parking Penalty for violation of Alameda Municipal Code section 8-8.9 will be included the next annual Master Fee Schedule update.
MUNICIPAL CODE/POLICY DOCUMENT CROSS REFERENCE
This action is consistent with Alameda’s Climate Action and Resiliency Plan and City Strategic Plan Project CC2 to implement electric vehicle (EV) charging at city owned public parking lots and expand EV charging availability across the City.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
In accordance with CEQA, this project is exempt from CEQA review under CEQA Guidelines sections 15308 (not a project), 15061(b)(3) (common law sense exemption) and 15308 (Actions by Regulatory Agencies for Protection of the Environment).
CLIMATE IMPACT
This ordinance will aid in the deployment of electric vehicles and chargers, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. On-road transportation accounts for 54% of Alameda’s Citywide greenhouse gas emissions.
RECOMMENDATION
Approve the first reading of the ordinance adding Section 8-8.9 (Electric Vehicle Charging) to Article 8-8 (General Parking Regulations) to the Alameda Municipal Code.
Respectfully submitted,
Erin Smith, Public Works Director
By,
Ricardo Delatorre, Parking Manager
Danielle Mieler, Sustainability and Resilience Manager
Lisa Foster, Transportation Planning Manager
Jenna Mackouse, CivicSpark Fellow
Financial Impact section reviewed,
Ross McCarthy, Acting Finance Director
Cc: Alan Ta, Project Manager I
Allen Tai, Planning, Building and Transportation Director