City council approves EV bylaw amendments

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. —  Fort St. John is adjusting its city zoning bylaws to make room for electric vehicles and charging stations. 

On November 24th, the City of Fort St. John council held a public hearing to collect feedback for a zoning amendment bylaw which impacts definitions, regulations and parking bylaws. 

The amendment added terminology to the bylaw to allow for electric vehicles:

• Adding a definition for ‘commercial electric vehicle charging station and parking lot.’
• Clarifying commercial electric vehicle chargers are included in gas station and service station uses.
• Clarifying that parking lots are an allowed use in all zones.
• Allowing commercial EV chargers and parking stalls to encroach on parcel setbacks, so long as landscaping requirements are still met.
• Adding requirements for parking agreements where a parking lot is shared by two or more buildings.
• Allowing parking to be on a separate parcel from the use it serves, subject to registration of a parking agreement.
• Clarifying when accessible stalls are required.
• Allowing garages to count as one parking stall for parking requirements.
• Introducing regulations for commercial EV charging stations.
• Introducing regulations for when parking lots are the principal use on a parcel.

During the public hearing, held at City Hall, one resident appeared before council to express concerns about electric vehicle chargers causing power outages in the area. 

The council and staff confirmed this was not anticipated, and that there was capacity in the power grid. 

At the end of the public hearing, the council approved the amendment, adopting it into law. 

To read the complete amendment bylaw, see below.