Plugging into the needs of Boca drivers

City proposes rules requiring electric-car chargers

Drivers of electric cars may soon have an easier time finding a place to charge up in Boca Raton.

Under a proposal, the city’s new apartments, condominiums and storefronts would be required to have chargers in their parking lots.

Boca would be one of at least six South Florida cities to create a law aimed at boosting access to the technology as the charging stations proliferate.

“I just think it’s important that we start laying the foundations for people who are looking to use electric vehicles,” said council member Robert Weinroth, who introduced the idea.

Researchers say that aside from the high cost of electric cars, the lack of charging stations is one of the main deterrents for drivers. Drivers can also get “range anxiety,” when they feel their drives are limited by where they can recharge.

The new rule would apply to multifamily and commercial properties, meaning that all new apartments, condominiums and commercial properties would have to put in stations.

Two percent of required off-street parking in new developments would have to be set aside for the charging stations.

Existing developments get a pass, but if property owners want to expand, they could be required to add charging spaces depending on the size of the addition.

Miami Beach passed the same ordinance in 2015; Surfside and Pinecrest require charging stations at apartments and condos.

Jupiter requires gas stations to have chargers, and Lauderhill requires all new single-family homes to have chargers in their garages.

CARLINE JEAN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Boca council member Robert Weinroth uses the electric charging station at City Hall.