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Hackensack, NJ Parking Rules: EV Charging (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Trigger
New multifamily/mixed use, 5+ units
Make-ready spaces required
15% of required parking
Chargers installed at occupancy
1/3 of the 15%
Full buildout deadline
6 years from certificate of occupancy
Small retailer exemption
25 or fewer spaces
Variance required
No, per N.J.S.A. 40:55D-70

Summary

Hackensack requires new multifamily and mixed-use developments of five or more dwelling units to pre-wire at least 15% of required parking as make-ready EV spaces, with a third wired for chargers immediately and the rest phased in over six years. The rule implements the state's 2021 EV charging law through the city's own zoning permit process.

Consistent with the model ordinance created by the State of New Jersey Department of Community Affairs reflecting standards made automatically effective by the adoption of P.L. 2021, c.171, on July 9, 2021, ... all newly constructed parking areas except for one- and two-family dwellings shall be subject to the requirements of this subsection. ... Prepare as make-ready parking spaces at least 15% of the required off-street parking spaces, and install EVSE in at least 1/3 of the 15% of make-ready parking spaces; ... Within three years following the date of the issuance of the certificate of occupancy, install EVSE in an additional 1/3 of the original 15% of make-ready parking spaces; and ... Within six years following the date of the issuance of the certificate of occupancy, install EVSE in the final 1/3 of the original 15% of make-ready parking spaces.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4592721; v20 updated 2026-01-06; through 01-06-2026).

Full Breakdown

L. 171, effective July 9, 2021. A. 40:55D-70. 1F(4)(a) requires the developer to prepare at least 15% of required off-street parking spaces as make-ready, install EVSE in at least one-third of that 15% at the outset, add another third within three years of the certificate of occupancy, and complete installation in the final third within six years. Retrofits at existing gas stations, retail establishments or other existing buildings can skip site plan and land use board review and be approved through a zoning permit alone if the installation does not violate existing bulk requirements or prior approval conditions, with the Zoning Officer required to issue a notice of incompleteness or one correction notice within 20 days or the application is deemed complete.

A retailer with 25 or fewer off-street spaces, or a single-family homeowner, is exempt from the mandatory installation requirement, though additional EVSE beyond what is required may still be encouraged.

Violations & Fines

The Zoning Officer enforces EVSE signage and installation requirements the same way as any other Chapter 175 land use violation under Section 175-3.6: a fine of up to $1,250, imprisonment up to 90 days, or both, with each day of noncompliance a separate offense, and civil recovery through Hackensack Municipal Court under the Penalty Enforcement Law, N.J.S.A. 2A:51-1 et seq.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do new Hackensack apartment buildings have to include EV charging?
Yes, if they have five or more dwelling units. Section 175-13.1F(4)(a) requires at least 15% of required parking to be make-ready, with EVSE installed in a third of those spaces at occupancy and the rest phased in over six years.
Do I need a variance to add an EV charger at an existing Hackensack gas station?
No. Section 175-13.1F(3)(e) allows EVSE or make-ready installation at existing gas stations, retail sites, or other buildings through a zoning permit alone, without site plan review or a variance, as long as it does not violate existing bulk standards or approval conditions.
Are single-family homeowners required to install EV charging?
No. Section 175-13.1F(4)(b) exempts single-family homes, along with retailers providing 25 or fewer off-street parking spaces, from the mandatory make-ready and EVSE installation requirement.

Sources & Official References

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