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California Accessibility for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

J

jessed

Member
Joined
Feb 23, 2011
Messages
3
Hi folks,

Does anyone know if accessibility codes apply to charging stations installations as it relates to commercial parking stalls? I understand that typical ADA reach, heights, and use are applicable as the electrical code identifies the height dimensions for the device installation, etc. However, my question relates to the installation of charging stations on existing parking stalls. Must the chargers be installed on accessibility parking stalls or regular stalls? Either way it seems there are issues as to who can use them if installed in either type of parking stall. Any thoughts or ideas as to where I can find an answer?

Thanks,

Jesse D.
 
Look at http://www.documents.dgs.ca.gov/dsa/pubs/policies_rev_01-01-11.pdf and click on 97-03, "Interim Disabled Access Guidelines for Electrical Vehicle Charging Stations". While this was intended for state-funded projects, it gives you a good idea as to the intention of DSA regarding charging stations, namely that a charging service station does NOT have to be reserved exclusively for persons with disabilities (just like an accessible retail checkout counter does not have to be reserved exclusively for persons with disabilities).

It can also be found in the latest version of the California Access Compliance Reference Manual, published just last week at http://www.documents.dgs.ca.gov/dsa/pubs/access_manual_rev_02-15-11.pdf , pdf pages 429-431.

It is my impression that a charging station is not the same as a parking stall. Think of it as a very slow turnover gas station. Therefore, accessible charging stalls would be in addition to / separate from accessible parking stalls. If you have even one charging stall, it should have an 8' van accessible aisle next to it. To reiterate, this stall does NOT have to be marked as reserved for persons with disabilities.

P.S. Welcome to the Forums!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Thanks Yikes

This is a good reference and start. I do understand the applicability is not directed to commercial project but provides a good understanding of what is the intention of DSA.

Thanks again for the warm welcome.
 
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