Beginning January 1, 2024, electric vehicle charging stations would be permitted in certain residential areas of the City of Wilmington under the terms of legislation introduced to the Wilmington City Council.
The Purzycki Administration is seeking approval of an Ordinance sponsored by Council Member Chris Johnson that would permit an EVCS (charging station) in residential rights-of-way. Once the legislation becomes law, Wilmington will be in compliance with a 2022 state law from lead sponsor state Sen. Sarah McBride, D-Wilmington, requiring the city to establish a process for residents to obtain a station.
Parking in city neighborhoods has been cited by critics as a drawback to operating electric vehicles.
The new law would enable owners or renters of single-family properties to obtain permits from the city’s Department of Public Works to charge their electric vehicles (EVs).
An electric vehicle owner could not use the charger as a way to reserve a parking space. Blocking or marking a space for that purpose would result in a fine.
EV owners who own or live at a property with off-street parking and are able to establish a cord charging system or install a charging station are not eligible to receive permits for the use of a charging cord or charging station in the public right-of-way.
The city would charge a $100 application fee and require the electric vehicle owner to notify neighbors on their block that they have applied to the City for permission to install a charging station in the public right-of-way. There is no fee in order to obtain a City permit to use a charging cord.
Complete details of the Ordinance that would establish EV charging options in the City of Wilmington beginning January 1, 2024, can be found here.
“This is just the start of our City’s quest to develop a more complete EVCS program,” said Mayor Mike Purzycki. “The technology is moving rapidly yet there are currently limited options available to accommodate EV owners, especially in densely populated cities. We will stay on top of this issue to ensure that Wilmington remains in the forefront of the EV movement and the development of available charging options.”
