The City is another step closer to reaching its 100% renewable energy goals. On April 21, the Goleta City Council unanimously voted to streamline the permit process for installing new Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations. The new ordinance was adopted the day before Earth Day, apt timing as this action makes it easier to install electric vehicle charging equipment and moves the City one step closer to reaching its 100% Renewable Energy Goals. The transportation sector remains California’s largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for about 40% of the state’s total. Goleta’s action will accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles and help the City, its residents, and businesses, reduce greenhouse gas emissions in our region.

This action will amend the City’s building code to streamline the process of obtaining permits to install charging stations for single-family homes, multi-family apartments, businesses, and government buildings by allowing electronic submittal of applications and minimizing review time. Goleta is now compliant with AB 1236, a state law meant to remove obstacles and minimize costs for permitting charging equipment. While less than 15% of jurisdictions throughout California have adopted such regulations, the new ordinance qualifies Goleta as “EV Permit Ready” under the state’s designation making Goleta and our partners in the county eligible for up to $4 million in California Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Project (CALeVIP) funds pending California Energy Commission selection.

The new ordinance goes into effect on May 22, 2020. Please find more information about application submittal requirements and the ordinance here.

The newest charging stations to be added to Goleta are the twelve Tesla superchargers that were installed in late April at the Camino Real Marketplace.