California Green Building Code (CALGreen) – Designated parking for clean air vehicles

To promote the use of electric vehicles /clean air vehicles and reduce the emission of harmful pollutants in the air. The new construction projects are mandated for provision of designated parking spaces for clean air vehicles.

CALGreen Code Section A5.106.5.1: Designated parking for clean air vehicles.

In new projects or additions or alterations that add 10 or more vehicular parking spaces, provide designated parking for any combination of zero-emitting, fuel-efficient and carpool/vanpool vehicles as listed in code Sections A5.106.5.1.1 or A5.106.5.1.2.

CALGreen Code Section A5.106.5.1.1: Tier 1.

Provide 35 percent designated parking spaces of the total number of parking spaces, for any combination of zero-emitting, fuel-efficient and carpool/vanpool vehicles. Calculation for spaces shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number.

Note: Designated parking for clean air vehicles shall count toward the total parking spaces required by the local enforcing agencies.

CALGreen Code Section A5.106.5.1.2: Tier 2.

Provide 50 percent designated parking spaces of the total number of parking spaces, for any combination of zero-emitting, fuel-efficient and carpool/vanpool vehicles. Calculation for spaces shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number.

Note: Designated parking for clean air vehicles shall count toward the total parking spaces required by the local enforcing agencies.

CALGreen Code Section A5.106.5.1.3: Parking stall marking.

Paint, in the paint used for stall striping, the following characters such that the lower edge of the last word aligns with the end of the stall striping and is visible beneath a parked vehicle:

CLEAN AIR/ VANPOOL/EV

Note: Vehicles bearing Clean Air Vehicle stickers from expired HOV lane programs may be considered eligible for designated parking spaces.

CALGreen Code Section A5.106.5.1.4: Vehicle Designations.

Building managers may consult with local community Transit Management Associations (TMAs) for methods of designating qualifying vehicles, such as issuing parking stickers.

Notes:

1. Information on qualifying vehicles, car labeling regulations and DMV CAV decals may be obtained from the following sources:

a. California DriveClean.

b. California Air Resources Board

c. U.S. EPA fuel economy regulations and standards.

d. DMV Registration Operations.

2. Purchasing policy and refueling sites for low emitting vehicles for state employees use can be found at the Department of General Services

Intent:

These code provisions are to encourage newly constructed projects to provide enhanced designated, reserved parking for clean air vehicles (low-emitting, fuel-efficient and carpool/van pool, and electric vehicles). The intent is to promote the use of clean air vehicles, conserve natural resources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These voluntary levels of compliance are set at 10 percent and 12 percent to provide “reach” standards, to help California meet its energy and greenhouse gas reduction goals.

Compliance Method:

Design team: The construction documents and/or site plan should indicate the location and required number of designated parking stalls. These parking spaces should be marked “CLEAN AIR/VANPOOL/EV.” The markings should be visible when a clean air vehicle is parked. In other words, if the front of the vehicle goes into the parking stall first, the markings should be visible at the back end of the vehicle. Lettering should be at least 8 inches high. The CLEAN AIR/VANPOOL/EV parking stalls may be located anywhere on the site and do not require a preferential location.

However, take into consideration the location of stalls that are designated for future EV stalls because once charging units are installed the charging spaces will need to comply with Chapter 11B accessibility requirements.

Enforcement:

Plan intake: The plan reviewer should confirm that the construction documents show the required number of fuel-efficient parking stalls.

On-site enforcement: The inspector should review and verify that parking stalls and designations meet with the design criteria in the construction documents.

(Excerpted from ‘Guide to the 2022 California Green Building Standards Code Nonresidential’ – Chapter 5)

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