Methuen, MA Parking Rules: EV Charging (2026)

Section 5.20 of the Methuen Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance was added effective 5-2-2011 by Ord. No. 849 and opens by referring readers to the most recent edition of the Massachusetts Electrical Code. Its definition of an electric vehicle charging station states that a station equipped with Level 1 or Level 2 equipment is permitted outright as an accessory use to any principal use. The ordinance describes Level 1 as slow charging, Level 2 as medium and Level 3 as fast.

Where chargers go: Level 1 or 2 stations are permitted in single-family and multifamily zones to serve the occupants of the home, and in all other zones. Level 3 or greater stations must be installed in a parking lot at a commercial or municipal destination, or at a vehicle service station, and can include multiple rapid charging stations. Battery exchange stations are permitted in the BN, BH, BL and IL districts with a special permit from the ZBA, are specifically prohibited in all residential zones, and under § 5.20C(2) need a ZBA special permit in all zones.

Review process: a charger tied to new residential, commercial or industrial construction is processed with the underlying permits. Retrofitting a single-family home requires an electric permit. Retrofitting an existing commercial site requires an electric permit plus review of a site plan by the Building Inspector, and additional permits can be required depending on where the stations sit.

Design criteria in § 5.20D: charging spaces must not take the most convenient spots, and they should be standard-size stalls designed to discourage nonelectric vehicles. No minimum number of charging spaces is required, and no more than 10% of the total parking spaces can be designated as charging stations. One charging space counts as 1/2 of a space toward minimum parking under the rest of the Zoning Ordinance. Each space must be posted with signage, with days and hours shown if the owner enforces time limits or tow-away, and voltage, amperage and safety information must be posted. Equipment in a pedestrian circulation area cannot interfere with accessibility, the Building Inspector reviews and approves the site plan, and the equipment must carry a phone number or other contact information for reporting problems.