Mason County, WA Parking Rules: EV Charging (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Mason County Code § 17.03.022
- Level 1/2 chargers
- Accessory use, all zoning districts, no land use permit
- Level 3 rapid chargers
- Limited to UGA commercial and industrial zones
- Battery exchange stations
- Limited to UGA industrial zones only
- Permit required
- Electrical permit from WA Labor and Industries
Summary
Mason County Code § 17.03.022 allows level 1 and level 2 electric vehicle charging stations as an accessory use in every zoning district of unincorporated Mason County, WA, with no special land use permit beyond the standard electrical permit. Faster level 3 rapid chargers and battery exchange stations are limited to industrial and commercial zones inside the urban growth areas.
A.Purpose. ... This section provides opportunities for electric vehicle infrastructure for all zoning districts in the county. ... B.Applicability.1.Electric vehicle infrastructure is permitted, as follows:a.Electric vehicle charging stations equipped with level 1 or level 2 charging equipment as an accessory use in all zoning districts. ... E.Process.1.An application to establish electric vehicle infrastructure must obtain an electrical permit through Washington State Department of Labor and Industries.
Full Breakdown
Section 17.03.022 of the Mason County Code, adopted by Ordinance No. 23-19 on March 19, 2019, sets three tiers of electric vehicle infrastructure for unincorporated Mason County, WA. Level 1 (120-volt) and level 2 (208- or 240-volt) charging stations are permitted outright as an accessory use in all zoning districts, letting any residence or business install home or workplace chargers without a land use permit. Level 3 rapid chargers, defined as industrial-grade outlets under RCW 19.27.540, are restricted to urban growth area zones such as village commercial, tourist commercial, highway commercial, business park, general commercial, business industrial and airport industrial.
Battery exchange stations, which swap a depleted battery for a charged one through a fully automated process, are limited to urban growth area industrial zones: business industrial, commercial-industrial and airport industrial. Every installation still needs an electrical permit through the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, and a new battery exchange station must also go through Mason County's site plan review under MCC 17.05.046 or resource ordinance review under MCC 8.48.050. The section's stated purpose is to serve the traveling public, let residents install personal chargers at home, and let commercial and industrial projects supply charging to customers and employees.
Violations & Fines
Installing a level 3 rapid charging station or a battery exchange station outside the zoning districts listed in Mason County Code § 17.03.022, or wiring any charging equipment without the required Washington State Department of Labor and Industries electrical permit, is a code violation. Mason County Community Development enforces the zoning limits, while the state agency enforces the electrical permit requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install a home EV charger anywhere in unincorporated Mason County?
Where can a business install a fast level 3 charger?
Do EV charging stations need a Mason County land use permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Mason County
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