Installing EV Charging

This page provides guidance on the current rules, policies and processes in Arlington County for installing EV charging. There are multiple considerations that impact specific installations that may include existing site layout, existing electric capacity and panel, parking requirements, setback regulations and more. Property owners and tenants can work with each County department for specific information regarding their property. If there are any additional questions, please contact evcharging@arlingtonva.us or get in touch with specific departments for the relevant step of the process you have specific questions.

EV Charger Installation Process

Step 1: Review recent updates to the Arlington County Zoning Ordinance, which make it easier to add EV charging

View the Arlington County Zoning Ordinance.

 

Easier EV Charging Installation: What Changed in Arlington's Zoning Rules

EV Charging Signs

• “EV Charging Only” spaces count toward minimum parking but are not required.

EVSE Allowed in Setbacks

• Level 1 & 2 chargers: may encroach into any required yard. 
• Level 3 chargers: may encroach but must be 8 ft. from any street-front lot line. 
• Charging cords cannot cross sidewalks; right‐of‐way charging is not yet allowed.
  • Figure pictured with rear yard, side yard, front yard, building line, setback, lot line, street and building.

Parking Lot Flexibility

1. New Parking Tabulation Rule
   1. Full size spaces with Level 2 or Level 3 charging count as 1.5 spaces. All other spaces count as 1. Fractional totals round down.
2. New Space Type: EV Accommodation Space (figure of parking lot with chargers in the parking spot and in between the parking spots) 
   1. Same width as full-size (8.5’), but shorter (15’) to make room for EVSE.
   2. Counts as 1 full size space.
   3. Does not affect compact space ratios.

Simpler Review Process

• Only the altered portion of a parking lot must meet current zoning regulations.
• If tabulation increases beyond physical spaces, “excess” spaces must remain parking or be used to site EVSE.

EVSE: Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment

Step 2: Consider Accessibility Requirements and Recommendations

• Review Virginia Construction Code requirements for accessible EV charging. Note: This does not apply to most residential properties. 
• Review National Access Board Design Recommendations.

Step 3: Design charger installation and apply for necessary permits, variances or changes

Arlington provides suggestions for EV charger selection and site design for multi-family residences here(PDF, 282KB).

An Electrical Permit is required for adding, removing or relocating fixtures, appliances or wiring for any electrical work. Watch the training video below which will provide a walk-through of the application for the Electrical Permit. 

The installation of new EV charging infrastructure (charging station, new or expanded electrical panel, new outlet, etc.) will require an Electrical Permit. However, if EV charging simply involves plugging the car into an existing outlet, a permit is likely not required. If you are unsure whether an Electrical Permit is required, contact the Inspection Services Division by email (ISDTradePermits@arlingtonva.us) or phone: 703-228-3800. More information about Electrical Permits can be found on Arlington’s permit site.   

If a charger will be installed in a parking garage that requires changes to the building structure, the changes must comply with relevant building codes. The full text of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC) can be found at the Building Code webpage.  Additional information about building code compliance can be found at the Inspection Services Division (ISD) webpage and anyone can set up a free Code Consultation if there are further questions. 

If the zoning ordinance provides too much of a limitation on siting EV Chargers, the BZA process may be an option. The BZA can modify zoning requirements for a specific lot or parcel of land and the process for obtaining a variance is described on the BZA’s site. More specifically, the BZA can modify the placement of EV chargers by allowing buildings and structures to encroach into the required street and lot setbacks. However, the BZA cannot grant modifications to the size or number of parking spaces.    

An administrative change is any minor modification of a board-approved site plan, that is approved by the Zoning Administrator and continues to meet the intent of the existing plan. If the EV chargers create any small change to what was approved in an existing site plan, an Administrative Change Request is required. 

A list of all the possible permits required in Arlington County are included in the Permit Library. Additional permits or applications may be required for a small percentage of properties on a site-specific basis. 

Resources

The electric vehicle (EV) charging market is rapidly growing, with a wide range of hardware options now available to meet different property needs and use cases. In Northern Virginia, there is a growing pool of experienced electricians and EV charging installers familiar with multi-family property requirements. Many providers offer turnkey solutions, making it easier than ever to plan and complete installations. 

Dominion Energy is an important partner for installing EV charging throughout the County. Dominion Energy provides recommendations and programs for EV charging installations. Details are included below and utility support is available by contacting electrification@dominionenergy.com. We recommend contacting Dominion early in the process for installing EV charging.

• Dominion's Multi-Family EV Charging Guide
• Dominion’s EV Charging Guide for Single-Family Homeowners and Renters
• Dominion Rate Incentives: 
  • Off Peak Plan
  • EV Telematics Program
• Dominion Energy EV Capacity Map Tool provides information about which parts of Dominion’s electric distribution system may be more suitable for EV fast charging station installations
• Level 2 Charging Program: Dominion provides a turn-key solution for level 2 EV charging infrastructure. Through the program, Dominion will install and maintain level 2 charging stations for your business, parking area or multi-family community. The program covers 50% of the costs for EV charging station construction and installation, including the associated infrastructure needed like switchgear, electric panels, conduits, and wiring. The remaining costs are captured in monthly on-bill payments. 
• EV Charging Access Program: Eligible multi-family customers receive turn-key EV charging infrastructure, installation and maintenance at no cost.

Other resources available include:

• Electric for All provides resources to research and adopt new and used EVs, search incentives and add EV charging.
• Charge at Home provides free electric vehicle charging guidance, tools and support to multi-family decision makers and residents.
• Plug In America provides one-time, free personalized assistance through its EV Support Program. 
• EVADC (Electric Vehicle Association of Greater Washington, D.C.) provides a guide to federal and local incentives as well as tools for shopping new or used EVs and PHEVs (Plug-in Hybrids) in addition to monthly meeting opportunities to "Ask An EV Owner" questions.
• Arlington County's residential EV webinar.
• Arlington County's commercial EV charging webinar.