Wauwatosa, WI Parking Rules: EV Charging (2026)

040 treats electric vehicle charging as an accessory use rather than a separate principal use requiring its own permit. Private, restricted-access charging stations are permitted as of right in every zoning district, and public charging stations are permitted as accessory uses to any allowed nonresidential use, also in every district; elsewhere the code notes that Level 1 and Level 2 chargers are accessory uses and are not regulated as "auto fueling stations" the way a gas station would be. Chargers can count toward satisfying a property's minimum required off-street parking spaces, and multi-unit residential developments with 40 or more parking spaces can earn a parking-count reduction: if at least 5% of provided spaces, up to six spaces, are EV capable, the Zoning Administrator may cut the required parking total by up to 10%.

Public charging spaces must be reserved for charging use only and posted with signage saying so, while all charging equipment must be sited so it does not block pedestrian, bicycle or wheelchair movement or create sidewalk hazards. Owners can charge a service fee for using a station, but every station needs posted signage listing voltage, amperage, fees and safety information, plus a phone number or other contact for reporting malfunctions. These standards were repealed and reenacted by Ord. O-25-25 on 11/18/2025.