Medford, OR Parking Rules: EV Charging (2026)
Key Facts
- Vegetation clearance
- 2 ft minimum from equipment
- Tree pruning clearance
- 8 ft from charging station
- Large-facility trigger
- 6+ simultaneous charging stalls
- Pavement solar reflective index
- 29 minimum, if used for heat mitigation
- Amenity distance trigger
- 1/4 mile from Downtown Medford
Summary
Medford requires EV charging stations to post usage fees, voltage, and time limits, include cord-management hardware, and keep vegetation at least two feet clear. Sites with six or more simultaneous charging stalls must add wayfinding signage, lighting, and a heat-mitigation plan.
Electric vehicle charging parking spaces are reserved for charging electric vehicles only. Any vehicle not charging is subject to a fine or removal... Each electric vehicle charging station will notice the following: (i) Usage fees; (ii) Voltage/amperage; (iii) Limited charge/parking times... Vegetation shall be maintained a minimum of two feet away from charging stations, and any trees shall be pruned to maintain a minimum distance of eight feet from any electric vehicle charging station.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-32, passed May 6, 2026).
Full Breakdown
799 of the Land Development Code, added by Ordinance 2022-137 in December 2022, sets design guidelines for public electric vehicle charging stations citywide; fleet facilities and private stations with restricted access are exempt except for the right-of-way cord provisions. Any vehicle occupying a charging space without actively charging is subject to a fine or removal, and charging spaces remain subject to any posted parking restrictions. Every public station must display signage stating the space is reserved for charging, plus notices listing usage fees, voltage and amperage, charge/parking time limits, a statement that the equipment contains no high-value metals, and a phone number for reporting equipment problems.
Stations must include a retractable or wrapping cord-storage mechanism and may add a protective curb stop or bollard. Vegetation must stay at least two feet from the equipment, and trees must be pruned to maintain eight feet of clearance. Where a cord crosses a sidewalk or pathway, a rubber cord cover is mandatory to prevent trip hazards, and where a driveway or garage is available, drivers cannot charge from the public right-of-way. 495(1)(b), and a heat management plan featuring at least one of a weather canopy, a solar photovoltaic canopy, or light-colored pavement with a solar reflective index of 29 or higher.
Facilities more than a quarter mile from Downtown Medford must also provide restrooms, trash and recycling containers including sharps disposal, and a drinking water source, either on site or through a contractual arrangement with an adjacent property.
Violations & Fines
Compliance is reviewed by the Planning Department as part of site plan and building permit approval; charging stations that fail to meet the design and signage requirements can be denied final approval, and a vehicle parked in a charging space without actively charging is subject to a fine or towing under Section 10.799(1)(a).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I park in an EV charging space without charging in Medford?
What must a large EV charging site in Medford include?
Do EV charging cords crossing a sidewalk need protection?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Medford
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