Columbus, OH Parking Rules: EV Charging (2026)
Key Facts
- EV Capable spaces required
- 20% of required parking
- EVSE Installed spaces required
- 2% of required parking
- Triggered by
- 4+ dwelling unit buildings
- Effective for
- new construction since Jan 1, 2024
- Exempt
- very-low-income & supportive housing
Summary
New apartment and condo buildings in Columbus with four or more dwelling units must wire 20% of required parking as EV Capable and have working EV chargers installed at 2% of spaces under the city's zoning code.
Building Category: 4 or more dwelling units | Building Types Includes: Market-rate multi-unit residential buildings; standalone surface lots and parking structures | Minimum Number of Spaces *: N/A | EV Capable: 20% | EV Ready: N/A | EVSE Installed: 2%
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 85 | Form Based Code: ?).
Full Breakdown
Columbus City Code § 3312.57 requires new apartment and condo buildings with four or more dwelling units to wire 20 percent of required parking spaces as 'EV Capable', dedicated conduit run to the space, and have Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment actually installed and working at 2 percent of spaces. Per § 3312.55, this applies to certificate-of-zoning-clearance applications for newly built parking lots or structures filed on or after January 1, 2024, and covers parcels under the newer 2024 Zoning Code too if parking is provided. Very-low-income, permanent supportive, and transitional housing are exempt. The Department of Building and Zoning Services checks compliance at site plan review.
Violations & Fines
Site plans lacking the required EV Capable conduit or EVSE Installed spaces can be denied or held up at the certificate-of-zoning-clearance stage by the Department of Building and Zoning Services until corrected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every Columbus apartment building need EV chargers?
What's the difference between EV Capable and EVSE Installed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Columbus
Compare Columbus to another location·View the Ohio parking rules overview
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