Yakima County, WA Parking Rules: EV Charging (2026)
Key Facts
- Level 1/2 chargers
- Accessory use, all zoning districts
- Level 3 rapid charging
- Limited to 10 named districts
- Battery exchange stations
- GC, HTC, M-1, M-2 only
- Electrical permit
- Required from WA L&I
- New battery exchange review
- Type 2, Chapter 19.30
Summary
Level 1 and Level 2 home electric vehicle chargers are an allowed accessory use in every zoning district under YCC § 19.18.190, no discretionary review needed. Rapid Level 3 charging and battery exchange stations are limited to specific commercial and industrial districts and need a state electrical permit.
Applicability. Electric vehicle infrastructure is permitted as follows: (a) Electric vehicle charging stations equipped with Level 1 or Level 2 charging equipment, as defined in Section 19.01.070, as an accessory use in all zoning districts. (b) Rapid charging stations, defined in RCW 36.70A.695(5), also known as Level 3 charging in FW, R-10/5, RS, B-2, SCC, LCC, GC, HTC, M-1 and M-2 districts. (c) Battery exchange stations, defined in RCW 36.70A.695(5), in GC, HTC, M-1, and M-2 districts. General Requirements. Installation of electric vehicle infrastructure must be consistent with the rules for electric vehicle infrastructure requirements adopted by the State Building Code Council and the Department of Labor and Industries for the installation of electric vehicle infrastructure.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4871853; v6 updated 2026-04-21; through 04-21-2026).
Full Breakdown
YCC § 19.18.190 authorizes electric vehicle infrastructure countywide with a tiered approach by charger type. Level 1 or Level 2 charging equipment, both defined in § 19.01.070, is permitted as an accessory use in all zoning districts, covering the standard home charger a resident plugs into a garage or driveway outlet. Rapid charging stations, also called Level 3 and defined by reference to RCW 36.70A.695(5), are limited to the FW, R-10/5, RS, B-2, SCC, LCC, GC, HTC, M-1 and M-2 districts, keeping the highest-power chargers out of most residential zones.
Battery exchange stations, also defined under RCW 36.70A.695(5), are confined further still to the GC, HTC, M-1 and M-2 districts. Regardless of tier, installation must meet the electric vehicle infrastructure rules adopted by the State Building Code Council and the Department of Labor and Industries, and all wiring and equipment carrying current must meet the standards in RCW 19.27.540 and 19.28.281. On process, any installation needs an electrical permit through the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries; a battery exchange station added to an existing use goes through a Type 1 review under Chapter 19.30, while a new battery exchange station requires the more involved Type 2 review under the same chapter.
Violations & Fines
Installing a Level 3 rapid charging station or a battery exchange station outside the districts listed in § 19.18.190(2)(b) and (c) is an unauthorized land use subject to the county's zoning enforcement. Skipping the required Washington State L&I electrical permit, or building a new battery exchange station without the Type 2 land use review under Chapter 19.30, exposes the installation to a stop-work order and permit denial.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install a home EV charger anywhere in unincorporated Yakima County?
Where can a fast-charging station be built?
Do I need a land use review for a battery exchange station?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Yakima County
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