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Lynn, MA Parking Rules: EV Charging (2026)

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

Key Facts

Threshold lot size
15+ parking spaces, new or redeveloped
EV Ready requirement
25% of spaces, Level 2 capable
EV Installed requirement
10% of spaces, charger equipped
Level 2 spec
40-50 amp, 208/240V single phase
Waiver available
ZBA special permit reduction
Governing section
Zoning Ordinance § 6.C

Summary

New or redeveloped Lynn parking lots with 15 or more spaces must wire at least 25% of spaces for Level 2 EV charging and actually install chargers on at least 10%, under Section 6.C of the zoning ordinance. The Zoning Board of Appeals can waive part of the requirement by special permit.

1. Requirements. New or redeveloped parking lots containing 15 or more parking spaces shall provide infrastructure to make a minimum of 25 percent of the spaces compatible with level 2 or higher electric vehicle charging ("EV Ready Spaces") and a minimum of 10 percent shall be equipped with level 2 or higher electric vehicle charging stations ("EV Installed Spaces"). Level 2 is considered medium charging and operates on a 40 to 50 amp breaker on a single phase 208/240 volt AC circuit. ... 3. Waivers. The Zoning Board of Appeals may grant by Special Permit a reduction in whole or in part of the requirements in this section.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.

Full Breakdown

C, Off-street EV readiness, of the City of Lynn Zoning Ordinance adopted December 9, 2025, applies to new or redeveloped parking lots containing 15 or more parking spaces. Those lots must provide the electrical infrastructure to make a minimum of 25 percent of the spaces compatible with Level 2 or higher electric vehicle charging ("EV Ready Spaces") and must go further on at least 10 percent of spaces, equipping them with an actual Level 2 or higher charging station ("EV Installed Spaces"). The ordinance defines Level 2 as medium charging operating on a 40 to 50 amp breaker on a single-phase 208/240-volt AC circuit, so the requirement is tied to a specific electrical spec, not just a plug.

Fractional results round in the developer's favor only at the midpoint: any fraction of one-half or above rounds up to the next whole space. A developer who cannot meet the percentages isn't stuck; the Zoning Board of Appeals may grant a reduction, in whole or in part, of the EV requirements by special permit. Whatever the final count, every EV Ready and EV Installed space submitted for plan review, site plan review, design review, special permit or building permit application must come with plans stamped by a licensed, qualified electrician, including an electrical service load calculation, so the Building Department can confirm the site's electrical service can actually carry the added load.

Violations & Fines

A new or redeveloped lot of 15 or more spaces that skips the 25% EV Ready / 10% EV Installed thresholds, or submits plans without a stamped electrical load calculation, violates Section 6.C and can be held up at site plan or building permit review by the Building Department until corrected. As a zoning violation it also carries the Section 11.B.3 penalty: a $300 misdemeanor fine per violation, each day a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do new parking lots in Lynn have to include EV charging?
Yes, if the lot is new or redeveloped and has 15 or more spaces. Section 6.C requires at least 25% of the spaces to be wired as EV Ready and at least 10% to have an actual Level 2 or higher charging station installed, per the Lynn Zoning Ordinance.
Can a developer get out of the EV charging requirement?
Partly. The Zoning Board of Appeals may grant a reduction, in whole or in part, of the EV Ready and EV Installed requirements by special permit under Section 6.C.3. There's no by-right exemption; a developer has to apply and get the ZBA's approval.
What has to be submitted with an EV parking plan?
Plans stamped by a licensed, qualified electrician, including an electrical service load calculation, per Section 6.C.4. That applies whether the EV spaces come up during plan review, site plan review, design review, a special permit, or a building permit application.

Sources & Official References

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