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HD 2896

An Act relative to permitting of electric vehicle charging stations

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Dan Cahill

Expedites and standardizes MA EV charging permitting, enforces 30-day review, nondiscretionary approvals, and provides a model ordinance for local governments.

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Bill Summary · HD 2896

Summary of House Bill HD 2896: An Act relative to permitting of electric vehicle charging stations

  • Bill number: HD 2896
  • Title: An Act relative to permitting of electric vehicle charging stations
  • Status: Proposed bill (introduced in 2025; status not specified in provided text)
  • Introduced: November 29, 2025
  • Primary Sponsor: Representative Daniel Cahill (10th Essex)

Purpose and intent

The bill aims to speed up and standardize the permitting process for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across Massachusetts. It seeks to remove local barriers, ensure rapid review, and promote the deployment of charging infrastructure—including charging stations located in public rights of way—by providing uniform requirements and a model ordinance for local governments to adopt.

Key provisions and changes

  • Expedited permitting timeline (local governments)
    By no later than 12 months after enactment, each local government must adopt land use ordinances/bylaws that require an expedited, streamlined permitting process for EV charging stations, with a binding permit review timeline not to exceed 30 days.

  • Zoning classification for EV charging
    All levels of EV charging stations would be classified as permitted accessory and primary uses in all zoning districts.

  • Parking minimum requirements
    The ordinance must address parking calculations, including:

    • A parking space served by an EV charging station (or spaces used to site charging equipment) must count as at least one standard parking space.
    • Any van-accessible parking space must count as at least two standard spaces when complying with minimum parking requirements.

  • Non-discretionary permit review
    Applications to install EV charging stations (including those in the public right-of-way) would be reviewed only to ensure health and safety compliance under local, state, and federal law, and would be approved administratively via a building permit or similarly nondiscretionary permit.

  • Model land use ordinance
    The Department of Energy Resources (DOER) and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), after consulting with affected parties, must develop a model land use ordinance within 6 months of enactment. They must post the model ordinance online and notify local governments of its availability.

  • Model ordinance updates
    DOER and MassDOT may periodically publish amendments to the model ordinance to reflect increased EV adoption and technology advances. Updates do not require a rulemaking process, and updated versions must be posted online and communicated to local units.

Who is affected

  • Local governments (cities and towns): Required to adopt the expedited permitting framework and related zoning changes within 12 months.
  • Property owners, developers, and private entities seeking to install EV charging stations (including in public rights-of-way).
  • Building officials and permitting authorities: Responsible for nondiscretionary, health-and-safety-based approvals.
  • State agencies: Department of Energy Resources and Department of Transportation coordinate on the model ordinance and updates.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Local adoption deadline: 12 months after enactment.
  • Model ordinance development deadline: within 6 months after enactment.
  • Ongoing updates: can be issued without formal rulemaking; posted by DOER and MassDOT online.

Potential impact

  • Accelerates deployment of EV charging infrastructure by simplifying permitting, increasing transparency, and reducing local regulatory friction.
  • Creates consistent charging infrastructure standards across jurisdictions, potentially lowering planning and cost barriers for installers.
  • Shifts some decision-making to nondiscretionary processes, which may limit local discretion but improve predictability for developers and the public.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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