2025 California Standards for Accessible Design Guide (effective January 1, 2026)

Advisory 11B-228.3 Electric vehicle charging stations. The CBC Chapter 11B requirements for electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) provided at places of public accommodation, public buildings, or commercial facilities are based on similar requirements for parking spaces, which under the ADA apply to car and van spaces (see CBC Chapter 11B Section 11B-502.1). Accordingly, the CBC Chapter 11B EVCS regulations apply to and are sized for EVCS that service typical passenger cars, trucks, and vans.                                                                                                                                                                                  Technological advancements in electric vehicle charging often do not align with the adopted regulations. Electric vehicles studied in the 2015 Triennial Code Cycle were typical passenger cars, trucks, and vans used by the general public, and future advancements in larger electric vehicles and electric vehicle charging technology were not considered. While the definition for ELECTRIC VEHICLE provided in CBC Chapter 2 lists a multitude of electric vehicle examples, at its adoption it defined electric vehicles that are similar-sized and similar use to typical passenger cars, trucks, and vans. A broader interpretation of the definition to encompass larger electric vehicles, and the application of scoping and technical standards in CBC Chapter 11B to EVCS that service larger electric vehicles, is inconsistent with the regulations as adopted. ◼