Bill > HB88

This bill establishes the Electric Vehicle Charging Station Zoning Act, which aims to streamline the process of installing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations by creating standardized zoning regulations. The bill defines key terms such as "electric vehicle" as a battery-powered motor vehicle, "electric vehicle charging station" as a facility that transfers electricity to an EV, and "electric vehicle supply equipment" as the technical infrastructure needed to charge these vehicles. The legislation mandates that county and municipal zoning authorities must treat EV charging stations as a permitted use in all zoning districts without requiring additional variances. It requires zoning authorities to develop an expedited administrative permitting process that limits review to code compliance and prohibits consideration of aesthetic or parking-related concerns. The bill also stipulates that permit applications must be processed within 30 business days, with automatic approval if not denied in writing. Additionally, the legislation specifies that parking spaces used for EV charging stations will count toward minimum parking requirements, with accessible spaces counted as two standard spaces. The act is set to become effective on July 1, 2025, and is designed to encourage the widespread installation of EV charging infrastructure by removing bureaucratic barriers.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=H&legtype=B&legno=88&year=25