Building Electrification

Thanks for contacting us with your question. Tandem breakers are only allowed if the manufacturer allows them in the panel. The buss has to be dual rated. For  more information call 708.358.5420 or email permits@oak-park.us

Yes, the electrification ordinance does require an EV charging station in new garages if the new garage is part of the construction of a new residential building.

The ordinance states that "New residential buildings shall be designed and constructed as follows... Chapter 7, Article 6, Section X301.1 (7) states: “ A building shall contain at least one level 2 electric vehicle charging station at one parking location if a building contains a parking space/garage." The "station" can be of any device that an EV can attached.  This means that a simple EV rated outlet with proper wiring to the service panel would suffice, such as the one attached.

The EV charging station requirement also applies to commercial buildings for new construction only, and it is "A minimum of one Level 2 electric vehicle charging station at each onsite parking area shall be installed for every 5 parking spaces. One charging station may serve an adjacent pair of spaces. Electrical vehicle charging stations in Group R-3 and R-4 occupancies are not required." The Village's electrification ordinance requires one level 2 charging station installed in garages for new construction single-family homes.   

The Illinois Electric Vehicle Charging Act was adopted shortly after our electrification ordinance passed, and between the two laws, there are different requirements depending on the building type and size.”

 For more information, you can contact 708.358.5430 or email permits@oak-park.us. 

Thanks for your question and feedback. At this time this electrification code only applies to entirely new structures, not gut jobs, interior alterations, or remodels, etc. For further discussion of the electrification ordinance, you are welcome to contact Chief Building Official Steve Cutaia at scutaia@oak-park.us.

Thanks for your feedback and your question. The Village employs 17 all-electric sedans as part its fleet of vehicles used by employees who must drive around Oak Park on official duty as part of the normal work day. Plans are in place to continue to purcase electric vehicles to replace vehicles that have reached the end of their lifespan. The Village also employs dozens of other hybrid vehicles, and most of its heavy-duty equipment such as fire trucks and snow plows run on B20 fuel, a lower-emission diesel fuel made in part from agriculture waste products.

Thank you for reaching out. For only entirely new buildings, yes, they must be all electric and use no gas. 

Thank you for the question, Tom. The new electrification codes only apply to new building construction. The newly adopted published international codes apply to all types of construction (new and/or remodeling). For further information or clarification, please e-mail Chief Building Official Steve Cutaia at scutaia@oak-park.us.