Residents May Be Able to Install an Electric Vehicle Charging Station in Right-of-Way at Their Property Frontage

Residents who do not have a driveway or space on their property to create a parking pad may be eligible to install an electric vehicle (EV) charging station in the right-of-way at their property frontage. The Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services is now accepting applications for charging stations and working with residents to see if a charging station would work for them.

Several Montgomery County residents have already taken advantage of the program.

Applicants must purchase and install charging stations at their own expense, either on their property or at the curb, depending on the site. The installation of a curbside charging station will only be considered when on-site opportunities (driveway or parking pad) do not exist and cannot be easily constructed.

The program is available to residents in single-family dwellings or duplexes. A permit will only be issued to the property owner.

An EV charging station installed through this guideline must not create any privilege or priority for use of the adjacent curbside parking. Street parking will remain available to anyone. Any parking restrictions on the street, such as Residential Preferential Parking, will remain in effect.

Prior to submitting an application, residents should email DPS Manager Atiq Panjshiri at Atiq.Panjshiri@montgomerycountymd.gov for a free consultation to determine eligibility.

A Declaration of Covenants for Maintenance and Liability is required.

If DPS determines a property qualifies for installation in the right-of-way, a public right-of-way permit and electrical permit are required. The electrical permit must be obtained by a licensed electrician. DPS will determine the exact location of the proposed EV charging station.

The EV charging station will be connected to the home’s electrical service, as if the charging station was located on the private property. A conduit will be run from the electrical panel to the EV charging station, located in the planting strip adjacent to the curb. The conduit must be underground in the public right-of-way, including under any existing sidewalk, and it is likely that trenching will also be required on the private property. Property owners are required to work with a licensed electrical contractor to understand all options.

For more information about residential EV charging in the right-of-way, visit the DPS website and review the guidelines.