Lower Merion, PA Parking Rules: EV Charging (2026)

Section 135-4.9R, Electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS), sits inside the Complete Streets and context-sensitive design standards of Chapter 135, the Subdivision and Land Development Code, and applies to new development and redevelopment plans reviewed by the Township. Under the EV readiness standards, any project adding more than 25 parking spaces must provide enough space and electrical capacity for Level 2 EVCS at at least 20% of the additional spaces, each with its own dedicated branch circuit and overcurrent protection. Any new or redeveloped parking structure must make every space EVCS-capable, with conduit run throughout and subpanels sized for a Level 2 charger delivering at least 32 amps/7.7 kWh per space.

New single-family and multifamily dwellings with garages must include a dedicated 40-amp branch circuit and a 220-240-volt/40-amp outlet inside the garage. Beyond readiness, the ordinance sets minimum built EVCS counts: 10% of spaces in residential projects with at least 10 spaces, 5% of spaces (Level 2) for projects adding 25 or more spaces, with at least one space or 10% of that share open to public use, and 1% on a Level 3, 150 kWh port for projects of 250 or more spaces. Design rules require retractable or hung cords that never cross a driveway or sidewalk, ADA-compliant mounting, pedestals set back at least four feet from the curb, and physical protection such as bollards or wheel stops offset at least 24 inches. A maintenance and operation plan needs Township Engineer approval, and each station must post voltage/amperage, hours, fees and a contact number for reporting outages.