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An ordinance amending Title 17 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws, to add a new "Electric Vehicle Charging Facility" use and related definitions and conditions to the Zoning Code (Proposal No. 2025Z-008TX-001).
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. That Section 17.04.060 of the Metropolitan Code is hereby amended by adding the following new definitions in alphabetical order:
"Electric vehicle" or "EV" means an automotive-type vehicle for on-road use that is no larger than a Class 2 vehicle according to the Federal Highway Administration, such as passenger automobiles, trucks, vans, neighborhood electric vehicles, and electric motorcycles, primarily powered by an electric motor that draws current from a rechargeable storage battery, fuel cell, photovoltaic array, or other source of electric current. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) are electric vehicles having a second source of motive power. It does not include golf carts, electric scooters, electric bicycles, or other micromobility devices.
"Electric Vehicle Charging Facility" means a site or facility whose principal use is the charging of electric vehicles (EVs). This use may include:
1. Electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) for Electric Vehicles
2. Associated infrastructure such as transformers, switchgear, utility interconnection equipment, and battery energy storage systems;
3. Queuing areas, drive aisles, and circulation space for vehicles;
4. Accessory buildings used solely for staff support, such as restrooms, utility closets, and break areas;
5. Fencing, lighting, and security infrastructure;
6. Optional integration of renewable energy systems such as solar canopies and batteries;
7. Continuous operations; 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
This shall not include the following uses: "automobile repair," "automobile service," "automobile convenience," and "car wash."
"Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment" or "EVSE" means the device or system designed and used for transferring electric energy to a plug-in electric vehicle, including all components such as connectors, conductors, enclosures, associated equipment, and related infrastructure that delivers electricity from the source to the vehicle.
Section 2. That Section 17.08.030 of the Metropolitan Code is hereby amended by adding "Electric Vehicle Charging Facility" as a commercial use permitted with conditions (PC) in the CS, CA, CF, SCC, SCR, IWD, IR, and IG zoning districts.
Section 3. That Section 17.16.070 of the Metropolitan Code is hereby amended by adding the following as a new Subsection M and redesignating the existing Subsection M and subsequent subsections:
M. Electric Vehicle Charging Facility.
1. Screening. Where electric vehicle charging facilities are located on a lot adjacent to a residential zoning district, there shall be screening in the form of a standard D-5 landscape buffer yard, as described in Figure 17.24.240D, applied along common property lines. If located within 100 feet of a residential zoning district, there shall be screening with an opaque fence or wall a minimum of six feet in height.
2. Lighting. Exterior lighting shall comply with the standards set forth in Section 17.28.100. In addition, if located within 100 feet of a residential zoning district, exterior lighting shall be directed away from adjacent properties.
Section 4. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to publish a notice announcing such change in a newspaper of general circulation within five days following final passage.
Section 5. This Ordinance shall take effect upon publication of the above said notice, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.
Agenda Analysis
Analysis
This ordinance amends Title 17 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws, to add a new Electric Vehicle Charging Facility use and related definitions and conditions to the Zoning Code. The Zoning Code does not currently define EV charging stations or refer to them as a use permitted within a zoning district.
The bill would define the terms "Electric Vehicle," "Electric Vehicle Charging Facility," and "Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment."
Electric vehicle or EV means "an automotive-type vehicle for on-road use that is no larger than a Class 2 vehicle according to the Federal Highway Administration, such as passenger automobiles, trucks, vans, neighborhood electric vehicles, and electric motorcycles, primarily powered by an electric motor that draws current from a rechargeable storage battery, fuel cell, photovoltaic array, or other source of electric current." The definition would include plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and not include golf carts, electric scooters, electric bicycles, or other micromobility devices.
Electric Vehicle Charging Facility means "a site or facility whose principal use is the charging of electric vehicles (EVs)". This use may include electric vehicle supply equipment for electric vehicles, associated infrastructure, queuing areas, drive aisles, and circulation space for vehicles, accessory buildings used solely for staff support, fencing, lighting and security infrastructure, optional integration of renewable energy systems, and continuous operations.
Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment means the device or system designed and used for transferring electric energy to a plug-in electric vehicle, including all components that deliver electricity from the source to the vehicle.
The ordinance would regulate Electric Vehicle Charging Facilities as a land use within Title 17. These facilities would be allowed as a commercial use permitted with condition in the Commercial Service (CS), Commercial Attraction (CA), Commercial Core Frame (CF), Shopping Center Community (SCC), Shopping Center Regional (SCR), Industrial Warehousing/Distribution (IWD), Industrial Restrictive (IR), and Industrial General (IG) zoning districts.
The ordinance also outlines screening and lighting standards to mitigate potential impacts near residentially zoned properties. Enhanced screening is required when an Electric Vehicle Charging Facility is next to a residential district. A six-foot tall opaque fence or wall is required for facilities within 100 feet of residentially zoned properties. Lighting must comply with general lighting standards and be directed away from nearby residences when located within 100 feet of a residential district.