Electric vehicle charging stations are now included in the city of Ridgeland’s zoning ordinance.
“This was not addressed in the ordinance before,” said Alan Hart, director of community development for Ridgeland.
With auto manufacturers moving away from vehicles with internal combustion engines and toward battery electric vehicles, the city saw the need for regulations about electric vehicle charging stations, Ridgeland Mayor Gene McGee said.
“From time to time, we see industries change and new uses evolve,” he said.
Level 1 electric vehicle charging facilities may be installed in garages and carports and are limited to residential use only, according to the ordinance.
Charging stations at residential structures should not have utility connections separate from the principle dwelling.
Level 1 and 2 electric vehicle charging stations would be installed at a commercial structure such as a hotel. “We have some charging stations at hotels in the Township,” Hart said.
Level 3 electric vehicle charging stations would be located at existing service stations, Hart said. A Level 3 station can charge an electric vehicle to 80 percent capacity in about 15 minutes, he said.
Ridgeland currently has no Level 3 charging facilities at service stations, Hart said.
Most drivers would recharge their vehicles at home, Hart said, although travelers would find charging stations useful at hotels or service stations.
Earlier this month, President Biden signed an executive order that calls for the government to try to ensure that half of all vehicles sold in the United States be electric by 2030.