New multifamily housing and mixed-use buildings in Portland, Ore., must be ready for electric vehicle charging

The Portland, Ore., City Council recently voted unanimously to require all new residential and mixed-use buildings to be ready for electric vehicle charging.

The move amends Portland’s zoning laws to require all new multi-dwelling and mixed-use development of five or more units with onsite parking to provide electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The new rules go into effect on March 31, 2023.

City officials cited the goal of transitioning away from fossil fuels. The code changes will give some residents access to home charging infrastructure who would otherwise not have it.