REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: JENNIFER K. CLARK, AICP, Director
Planning and Development Department
BY: ASHLEY ATKINSON, AICP, Assistant Director
Planning and Development Department
SUBJECT
Title
BILL - (for Introduction) Amending Section 11-113 of the Fresno Municipal Code, relating to Electric Vehicle Charging and Hydrogen Fueling Station review process (Citywide)
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council amend Code Section 11-113 of the Fresno Municipal Code (FMC) to add an administrative permitting process for hydrogen fueling stations, as required by State law.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The proposed amendment to FMC Section 11-113 expands the City's existing administrative permitting process for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations to include Hydrogen-Fueling Stations, as defined. By amending the code, the City complies with State law (SB 1418) and strengthens its ability to support zero-emission transportation; attract public and private investment in hydrogen infrastructure, and improve regional air quality.
BACKGROUND
FMC Section 11-113 currently provides an administrative permitting process for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations. The FMC does not currently address hydrogen-fueling stations.
On September 25, 2024, the State enacted SB 1418, which mandates that cities and counties adopt a streamlined administrative permitting process for hydrogen-fueling stations aligned with the process already required for electric vehicle charging stations. The legislation directs local jurisdictions to administratively permit hydrogen-fueling stations on parcels zoned for commercial or industrial use that do not contain any residential units, and on sites previously developed as service stations. Such stations would also be required to comply with applicable building, electrical, fire, mechanical, energy, and accessibility requirements, as well as regulations adopted by the California Air Resources Board and the California Energy Commissi...
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