Issaquah, WA Parking Rules: EV Charging (2026)

Section 18.604.090 applies to new and substantially improved buildings and additions, new surface parking lots that are not gravel, and new parking garages. Each project must meet three separate counts: electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) spaces, electric vehicle ready (EV-ready) spaces and electric vehicle capable (EV-capable) spaces. A mixed-use development splits the test: parking tied to residential uses follows Table 18.604.090(A), and parking tied to nonresidential uses follows Table 18.604.090(B).

For residential parking, a new building with no more than two dwelling units needs no EVSE spaces, 1 EV-ready space per dwelling unit and no EV-capable spaces. All other new Group R buildings need 10% of total parking spaces as EVSE, 30% as EV-ready and 10% as EV-capable. An existing multifamily building (R-1, R-2 and I-2 occupancies) undergoing substantial improvement needs 10% EVSE and 20% EV-ready, with no EV-capable requirement. For nonresidential parking, new Group A, B, E, F, H, I, M and S buildings need 10% of total parking spaces in each of the three categories, existing buildings in those groups under substantial improvement need 5% EVSE and 10% EV-ready, and new surface lots and garages carry a 10% figure in each column.

When EVSE or EV-ready spaces are required, 10 percent of the accessible parking spaces, rounded to the next whole number, must be EVSE, with an additional 10 percent EV-ready, and at least one of each type must be accessible. Every EVSE space needs designated signage and pavement markings per RCW 46.08.185. Wiring must follow the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70), and each EV-ready branch circuit must be identified as "Electric Vehicle Ready" in the service panel or subpanel directory, with the termination location marked the same way.

Projects with affordable housing units at or below 80 percent AMI must meet 100 percent of the requirement, but the cost must stay neutral, and the provision can never drop below 50 percent of the required EVSE, EV-ready and EV-capable infrastructure. Middle housing within one-half mile of a major transit stop is exempt under RCW 36.70A.635(6)(d). The section does not change the minimum or maximum number of off-street parking spaces set elsewhere in the chapter.