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St. James, Minnesota was one of the first Charging Smart designees in the U.S. This municipality undertook measures to improve planning and zoning practices, permitting and inspections, and other efforts to make it easier and more affordable to install EV charging infrastructure.
- Acknowledged priority for market transformation
- Identified co-benefits (public health, noise reduction, pollution reduction)
- Addressed equity issues and set equity goals
- Developed goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-based surrounding EV actions
- Permitted Level 2 chargers as an accessory use to parking lots in all zoning districts
- Defined primary use standards for EVSE and enable such uses in designated zones
- Defined when special permits are required based on use case
- Adopted a technology neutral EV-ready ordinance in the zoning code or building code for new construction
- Allowed all EVSE parking stalls to count towards minimum parking requirements
- Established accessibility guidelines for EV enabled parking stalls
- Adopted a standard EVSE permit application process
- Developed EVSE permitting checklists
- Met with utilities to discuss collaboration opportunities
- Collaborated with utility to co-promote utility EV programs, rates, and incentives, including EV integrated renewable energy
- Co-developed incentives for installing residential-managed charging
- Created a specific page on the city website that includes information about EVs
- Promoted the EV and EV + renewable energy programs the city and utilities offer to residents
- Listed adopted EV/EVSE ordinances and proposed EV/EVSE ordinances
- Linked to the regulatory and permitting processes checklists
- Purchased EVs for fleet use to meet adopted goals
- Worked with school district to complete assessment of EV school bus conversion opportunities
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