Plainfield, NJ Parking Rules: EV Charging (2026)

Section 17:9-26A of the Plainfield Municipal Code, added 5-9-2022 by Ord. No. MC 2022-16, governs charging equipment in the City of Plainfield. An application for development submitted solely for EVSE or Make-Ready parking spaces is a permitted accessory use and permitted accessory structure in all zoning or use districts and does not need a variance under C.40:55D-70. At an existing gasoline service station, retail establishment or other existing building, the installation skips site plan and land use board review and is approved by a zoning permit from the administrative officer, provided it does not violate bulk requirements or prior approval conditions and complies with the State Uniform Construction Code Act. An application is deemed complete if no notice of incompleteness is given within 20 days after filing.

New development carries mandates as a condition of preliminary site plan approval. A multiple dwelling with five or more units must prepare at least 15% of its required off-street parking spaces as Make-Ready and install EVSE in at least one-third of those spaces, another third within three years of the certificate of occupancy, and the final third within six years. A parking lot or garage outside that rule installs one Make-Ready space at 50 or fewer spaces, two at 51 to 75, three at 76 to 100, four at 101 to 150, and at least 4% of the total parking spaces when there will be more than 150. A retailer with 25 or fewer off-street spaces and the developer of a single-family home are exempt.

Each EVSE or Make-Ready space counts as at least two spaces toward minimum parking, which reduces total required parking by no more than 10%. A space that is not accessible for people with disabilities must be not less than 9 feet wide or 18 feet in length. Outlets and connectors sit no less than 36 inches and no higher than 48 inches from the ground, and each public charging space is marked with green pavement and regulatory signs.