Electric vehicles (EVs) have risen in popularity in recent years because of their sustainability. For this reason, many EV owners are looking to install electric car chargers in their HOA communities. But should EV chargers be allowed? Can homeowners associations implement an HOA electric car charging policy?
Can HOAs Restrict Electric Car Charging Stations?
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in HOAs can be a contentious issue for the board and residents. After all, installing an EV charging station is no easy feat. They are expensive and often require professional help to set up, and they also cost money to maintain.
However, HOA boards should always review their governing documents before implementing any HOA electric car charging policy. Communities often have regulations regarding external alterations to common areas and homeowner property, which may apply to electric car chargers. HOA boards and homeowners should thoroughly review the rules to ensure compliance.
In addition, homeowners associations should review federal, state, and local laws before they try to restrict or regulate these chargers. Many states have already enacted laws protecting residential EV charging. For instance, California law prohibits HOAs from enacting covenants that unreasonably restrict or effectively prohibit EV charging stations in a homeowner’s designated parking space or property.
While not all states have these protective laws in place, they may eventually follow the example of EV-friendly states and enact similar regulations. HOAs should prepare themselves to adapt to the changes.
Benefits of an HOA Electric Car Charging Policy
Homeowners associations are often strict about maintaining the external aesthetics of every home. Uniform aesthetics enhance curb appeal and preserve property values within the community, so it’s no wonder some HOAs can be apprehensive about installing a charging station in the front yard or driveway.
However, the growing number of electric car sales in the United States means more homeowners will likely clamor for EV charging stations in the future. It may be a deal-breaker for potential buyers if an HOA adopts policies that are too restrictive regarding EV chargers. Meanwhile, communities with common-use chargers may have an edge over others.
Every HOA wanting to improve their community’s future should consider creating an electric vehicle charging policy. This policy aims not to prevent EV chargers altogether but to regulate how they are installed, used, and maintained. It should balance what homeowners want and protecting the HOA’s curb appeal.
An HOA electric car charging policy will vary between communities as different associations have different needs. However, the policies should cover at least these three things:
- How homeowners pay for charging
- When homeowners may use charging stations
- How homeowners can apply to install a private EV charger
Homeowner Application
An HOA electric car charging policy must outline how homeowners can propose an installation. This will help the board enforce rules consistently and allow homeowners to comply better with community rules.
The application form should include a detailed plan of the homeowner’s installation. HOAs can also require residents to consult with an insured and licensed contractor to apply. They must also clearly state who covers the cost of installation and maintenance.
Charging Schedule
Scheduling becomes a problem with common-use chargers. For example, the HOA may have installed only one or two chargers in the community parking lot. However, over ten homeowners want to charge their vehicles. How do you deal with scheduling?
The best way to deal with this is by using a reservation system. Owners can reserve slots to avoid scheduling issues and conflicts. HOAs can also adopt a first-come, first-served policy. Either way, the board must ensure these rules are clear to the homeowners.
Common vs Private EV Chargers
There are two possibilities for installing EV chargers in HOAs. One is that the HOA itself will install the chargers in the common areas, making them a community perk available for all residents.
The second is that the HOA will allow homeowners to install chargers on private property. This eliminates the need for HOA maintenance and gives residents more freedom. Let’s explore the benefits and challenges of both options.
HOA Chargers
Homeowners associations may want to install charging stations as community perks. This makes them more attractive to buyers who have or are considering buying an EV. Moreover, the HOA retains ownership of these chargers, allowing it to control how to manage and operate each station.
However, installing charging stations in common areas poses several challenges. For one thing, EV chargers are not cheap. They often cost somewhere between $800 – $2,200 per charger. Higher-end chargers may even cost up to $4,500 per piece.
Additionally, associations need to pay for maintenance to keep these chargers operational. While HOAs can include the maintenance costs in HOA dues, homeowners who don’t own an EV might complain that they’re paying for something they do not need. HOAs can remedy this by charging maintenance costs only to homeowners who use the stations.
There is also the issue of a potential surge in electricity bills. HOAs can avoid this problem by installing stations with advanced software. These can separate the chargers’ electricity bills, charge fees to individual homeowner credit cards, and track users. Sub-metering will also help the HOA separate charging station electricity from the electricity used in common areas.
Homeowners associations can also partner with an Electric Vehicle Service Provider (EVSP) that can install, maintain, and handle the billing for charging stations. EVSPs can make the board’s life much easier as they don’t need to worry about managing and maintaining these chargers.
Homeowner Chargers
Some communities do not have the space or infrastructure to accommodate common-area charging stations. Others might not see the need for multiple chargers when few homeowners own an EV.
In this case, the HOA electric car charging policy can revolve around private installations. It’s a good compromise as EV owners can gain access to electric car chargers without burdening the HOA with the complexities of installation, maintenance, electricity management, and billing. The homeowner will exclusively shoulder all the associated costs.
On the other hand, most communities have regulations regarding architectural changes to preserve community aesthetics. Thus, HOAs must regulate how and where residents can install these charging stations. Installing one on the driveway or front yard might harm curb appeal. Ideally, homeowners should restrict installations to their parking space or garage.
EV Charging Policy: Future-Proofing Your HOA
Homeowners are becoming more conscious of their decisions’ environmental impact,, resulting in more EVs on the market. Adopting an HOA electric car charging policy is a good way to future-proof the association and keep up with the times.
Does your community need help creating, managing, and enforcing its policies? Elite Management Services can help. We offer excellent services to community associations. Call us at (855) 238-8488 or get in touch with us online to request a proposal!
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