Boise, ID Parking Rules: EV Charging (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger
- 20+ new parking spaces, incentive projects only
- Requirement
- 5% of new spaces EV-Ready
- Basis
- Voluntary housing-incentive program
- Design standard
- BCC § 11-04-08.6 applies
Summary
Boise doesn't require EV charging at existing apartments, but projects that opt into the city's housing-incentive program must wire 5% of new parking as EV-ready if they add 20+ spaces.
Electric Vehicle Charging: For developments containing twenty (20) or more vehicle parking spaces, the development shall include at least 5% of the parking spaces as Electric Vehicle (EV) Ready Spaces. This percentage is calculated based on total new parking spaces added and do not apply to existing parking.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-31: Code current through: Ord. 20-26, passed 6-9-2026).
Full Breakdown
Boise's Development Code has no blanket EV-charging mandate for multi-family housing. The requirement only kicks in for projects that voluntarily apply for Urban and Neighborhood Housing Incentives (density bonuses, parking reductions, etc. in exchange for community benefits): if the project adds 20 or more vehicle parking spaces, at least 5% of those new spaces must be built as EV-Ready, with wiring and conduit that meets the design standards in BCC § 11-04-08.6 (accessible route, protected equipment, signage, emergency shutoff). Developers who don't seek incentives can build parking with zero EV infrastructure.
Violations & Fines
There's no standalone penalty for skipping EV-ready spaces because the requirement isn't a baseline code mandate: it's a condition attached to the incentive package. A project that claims density bonuses or other incentives without meeting the 5% EV-Ready standard fails to qualify for the Zoning Certificate needed to use those incentives, and the Planning Director can deny or condition approval until the standard is met.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all new Boise apartment buildings need EV charging?
What does 'EV-Ready' mean in Boise's code?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Boise
Compare Boise to another location·View the Idaho parking rules overview
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