Garfield County commissioners on Monday opted out of state House Bill 24-1173, which streamlines the local permitting process for electric vehicle (EV) charging systems. 

Passed in 2024, the bill is meant to help local governments streamline the permit approval process for electric vehicle charging infrastructure. It supports Colorado’s 2023 EV plan, which sets goals for further developing the state’s adoption of EVs. Goals set in the plan include 940,000 light-duty EVs on the road by 2030 and 100% electric light-duty vehicles, zero emission medium and heavy-duty vehicles by 2050. 

According to the bill, counties with a population larger than 20,000 are required to adopt a model code for regulating EV charging stations, adopt a process directly from HB 24-1173 or adopt a resolution stating that the county opts out of revising its current codes.

Garfield County chose to opt out of the code revision, emphasizing that their current process aligns with the intent of HB 24-1173.

“(Charging stations) have been handled and processed as a part of a building permit review….so we felt it appropriate to opt out,” Planning Division Director Glenn Hartmann told commissioners on Monday, adding that the county’s code also has provisions for unlisted uses and standalone proposals. 

The county currently allows EV charging stations in “many locations and configurations as an accessory use to parking lots including commercial and residential applications,” the packet from the Community Development Department states. 

“We don’t require permits for EV charging stations (on private property),” Chief Building Official John Plano said. “They have to get an electrical permit through the state.”

In July 2024, Garfield County adopted an EV Readiness and Action Plan, creating a blueprint for managing the county’s transition to electric transportation. The plan includes an outline for developing more electrical vehicle charging stations in the county by increasing workplace charging, assisting multifamily property owners and managers with charging infrastructure, and supporting EV charging along regional travel corridors. 

“It’s being managed efficiently today and there’s no need for any code updates as far as we’re concerned,” Hartmann said. “We feel that our processing is very accommodating to EV charging stations and we recognize the significance of that.”

“I’m one for less regulation so I was happy to see this on the agenda,” Commissioner Tom Jankovsky told planning division staff.

“I think it’s great for Garfield County to opt out,” Commissioner Perry Will later added before approving the opt out resolution.