At the November 6, 2025 City Council meeting, the Council approved updates to South Portland’s Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Infrastructure Ordinance (Chapter 27, Sec. 27-1558).
The updates are in response to changing EV market conditions, developer feedback, and shifts in federal funding. They are designed to make requirements more cost-effective and easier to comply with, while still supporting South Portland’s commitment to clean transportation by increasing the number of EV chargers in South Portland in a way that is both practical and impactful.
The revised ordinance will take effect on November 26, 2025.
Here’s what’s changing:
- Simpler requirements: The previous “EV-capable” parking space requirement has been removed to focus on EV-installed parking requirements.
- Small parking lots exempt: The minimum lot size has been increased. Only parking lots with 25 or more spaces that are newly built or reconstructed will be subject to EV-installed requirements.
- Fewer required chargers: The percentage of new or reconstructed spaces that must have EV chargers has been reduced, and a maximum number of chargers has been set.
- New “EV-Ready” standard: All newly built residential units with dedicated parking within 25 feet of the structure must now include wiring and infrastructure to easily add a charger later.
- Support for affordable housing: Affordable housing projects will have a cap of two required EV chargers.
- More flexibility: Options for off-site installations or in-lieu fees are now available.
For more information on the changes to these regulations please contact Community Planner Marin Stephens at 207-347-4133 or mstephens@southportland.gov.