Billings, MT Parking Rules: EV Charging (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- BMCC § 27-1008.K
- Space requirement
- Must use approved off-street space
- Parking cap exemption
- 2 EV spaces per 50 exempt
- Equipment rule
- Can't block sidewalks or pathways
- Violation class
- Misdemeanor plus municipal infraction
Summary
Billings' zoning code lets any approved off-street parking space host an EV charging station, exempts up to two EV spaces per fifty from the city's maximum surface parking cap, and keeps charging equipment out of sidewalks and pathways.
K.Electric vehicle charging station.1.This section is not intended to regulate the charging of electronic vehicles within a personal garage associated with a dwelling unit or charging stations that may be placed within the public right-of-way by the city.2.An electric vehicle charging station shall comply with the following use-specific standards:(a)The charging station shall be associated with an approved off-street parking space.(b)Equipment associated with a charging station shall be located to not impede pedestrian movement or create trip hazards within the right-of-way or any pedestrian pathway.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 66 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Under BMCC § 27-1008.K, an electric vehicle charging station must be tied to an approved off-street parking space, and its equipment can't impede pedestrian movement or create trip hazards in the right-of-way or on any pedestrian pathway. The rule doesn't reach home-garage charging or city-installed right-of-way stations. Separately, § 27-1302 excludes up to two EV charging spaces per fifty parking spaces from the zoning code's maximum surface parking calculation, an incentive for developers to add charging without tripping the parking-lot size cap.
Violations & Fines
Violating the zoning code is a misdemeanor and a municipal infraction carrying a civil penalty under BMCC § 18-1300; the zoning coordinator can also issue stop-work orders or revoke permits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Billings require new parking lots to install EV charging?
Do EV charging spaces count against Billings' parking maximum?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Billings
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