Mayor Regina Romero - City of Tucson | City of Tucson website
Mayor Regina Romero - City of Tucson | City of Tucson website
The City of Tucson Planning and Development Services Department (PDSD) has conducted a comprehensive review of its electric vehicle (EV) readiness regulations one year after the adoption of the ordinance mandating EV infrastructure in new commercial, multi-family, and office developments. This review follows the Mayor and Council's request during the public hearing on August 23, 2022, when the ordinance was initially approved.
The EV readiness ordinance, effective December 1, 2022, ensures that new developments in Tucson are equipped with EV infrastructure. The regulations specify the percentage and types of EV supply equipment, levels of readiness, and best practices for location and design. This is in addition to the June 2021 local amendment to the International Residential Code, which requires EV charging provisions for new single-family homes.
The ordinance aims to increase access to EV charging infrastructure through a phased approach, ensuring that new developments accommodate current and future EV users. By installing EV infrastructure during construction, the city seeks to reduce the overall cost of transitioning to electric vehicles, avoiding the expense of future retrofits.
To assess the effectiveness of the EV charging regulations, PDSD conducted a survey targeting those affected by the new regulations and the general public. The survey received 56 responses, with 13 specifically related to EV infrastructure projects.
Key findings included:
Affordable housing developers have raised concerns about the added costs of EV charging infrastructure, which could affect the viability of their projects. In response, PDSD staff are collaborating with local partners to provide guidance and resources to help developers meet these requirements while maintaining project affordability.
Over the past year, PDSD staff reviewed development packages for commercial and multi-family projects to identify those that included EV charging infrastructure. Fourteen projects were found to incorporate EV infrastructure, covering 10 multi-family sites and four commercial/restaurant sites.
Based on survey feedback and staff reviews, PDSD proposes several resources and ordinance adjustments:
PDSD staff will address these adjustments through the corridor redevelopment code package, which includes public input opportunities before review by Mayor and Council. Updates to EV parking standards will align with other proposed changes to commercial parking requirements, with completion anticipated by the end of 2024.
For further inquiries or issues:
City of Tucson
255 W. Alameda St.
Tucson, Arizona 85701
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