Electric Charging Information
EV Community Vision
The Village of Poplar Grove is preparing for the expected increase in electric vehicles (EVs) and EV charging stations (EVCS) by participating in the Interstate Renewable Energy Council’s (IREC) Charging Smart Program and working towards achieving bronze designation. We are reducing barriers to EV infrastructure investment and making it easier for residents and businesses to install EV charging stations. As part of this process the Village of Poplar Grove will be pulling together information from many sources to help you learn about EVs and EV charging stations, decide if they are right for you, and make the permitting and installation process easier by updating the permit process and zoning codes. These updates will work to improve access to cleaner transportation options, improve the region’s environmental resilience and create healthier futures for our residents.
_____________________________________________________________________
Additional EV Resources
Drivers are increasingly transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs). To learn more about EVs, if switching to electric is right for you, and the Village of Poplar Grove’s actions related to EVs, use these helpful resources.
- Vehicle Types | US Department of Transportation: Explore everything you need to know about EVs, including the basics about EVs, charging information, benefits of owning an EV, and more resources.
- The US Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center’s Alternative Fueling Station Locator: Helps EV drivers locate available charging stations.
- PlugStar’s Shopping Assistant: This interactive tool can help you find the right EV based on your driving needs.
- ComEd provides incentives and rebates for EV owners. Learn about ComEd’s EV programs at Electric Vehicles | ComEd - An Exelon Company
_____________________________________________________________________
FAQ for Residential EV Charging Station Permit Process: (See Guide)
Approval Requirements
- A permit for, but not limited to, electrical must be provided before the installation of a single family residence electric vehicle charger can be completed.
- Permits for residential electric vehicle charges are reviewed by the building department and may include review from the appropriate fire district based on individual project requirements.
- Projects that entail zoning changes will be reviewed by the Village Planning and Zoning Commission.
- Any appeals of building code interpretation may be heard by the Board of Trustees via an appeals hearing.
- Normally reviews are conducted sequentially based on the individual project requirements.
Permit Submittal Documents
- Completed permit application form.
- Application Fee - See this link for current fees: https://www.poplargrove-il.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/building_and_code/page/3141/final_fee_schedule_2024.pdf
- Site Plan - showing the installation of equipment or receptacle.
- Technical Documents that provide:
- Manufactures Equipment specification sheet or cut sheet for the EVSE unit
- Single Line Wiring Diagram including Conductor information (type, size and material)
- Raceway information (conduit type and size)
- Size of main electrical panel, distribution panels 9sub panels) and disconnects
- Electrical load calculations
- Acknowledgment of bringing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms up to current code
Inspections
This is a list of inspections for a typical project with this scope of work.
- Rough electrical inspection (if new wiring is concealed prior to cover)
- Final electrical inspection
- Final building inspection
_____________________________________________________________________
FAQ for Non- Residential EV Charging Station Permit Process: (See Guide)
Approval Requirements
- A permit for, but not limited to, electrical must be provided before the installation of a non-residence electric vehicle DC Fast Chargers can be completed.
- Permits for non-residential electric vehicle DC Fast Chargers are reviewed by the building department and may include review from the appropriate fire district based on individual project requirements.
- Projects that entail zoning changes will be reviewed by the Village Planning and Zoning Commission.
- Any appeals of building code interpretation may be heard by the Board of Trustees via an appeals hearing.
- Normally reviews are conducted sequentially based on the individual project requirements.
Permit Submittal Documents
- Permit Application – filled out in its entirety.
- Application Fee - See this link for current fees: https://www.poplargrove-il.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/building_and_code/page/3141/final_fee_schedule_2024.pdf
- Approved Site plan including;
- Location and number of charging stations
- Equipment anchorage and support
- Lighting plan (if lighting is proposed)
- Bollard details for vehicle protection
- Screening of installation may be required (site dependent)
- Pavement markings and dimensions
- Conduit locations and disconnects
- Vehicular movement plan (if the proposed location is such that is may impede traffic flow)
- Manufactures specifications
- Signage locations, details and elevations
- Survey – an accurate survey, showing the proposed placement.
- Floor Plan – in situations where equipment is installed within a structure, a floor plan is required. Said plane should show the proposed location of the equipment.
- Manufactures Equipment specification sheet or cut sheet for the EVSE unit – including UL Listing.
- Single Line Wiring Diagram including;
- Conductor information (type, size and material)
- Raceway information (conduit type and size)
- The manufacturer and model of the charging stations
- Size of main electrical panel, distribution panels 9sub panels) and disconnects
- Type (Level) of charging station
- Electrical load calculations – provide size of existing electrical panel, existing load on the panel, and proposed load/circuits from the electric vehicle charging system in order to determine if there is adequate capacity in the existing panel.
- Electrical Service Verification – verification shall be made by the owner/contractor that the existing main service panel and all panels in the electrical system used for the EVCS are safe and free of electrical hazards. Damaged equipment must be replaced or repaired and will require permits and inspections.
- Lockable Disconnect – a lockable disconnect is required in a readily accessible location for electric vehicle charging stations > 60A or 150V to ground. A phenolic plaque with red background and white lettering stating “Emergency Power Off – Electric Vehicle Charging Station” must be installed on each disconnect.
- Bollard Specs – attachment detail for bollard installation where protection of electrical equipment is required.
- Approved Sign Elevations – contact the building department at 815-765-3201
Notes: For commercial facilities, the installation must also meet the Illinois Accessibility Code
Inspections
This is a list of inspections for a typical project with this scope of work.
- Rough electrical inspection (if new wiring is concealed prior to cover)
- Final electrical inspection
- Final building inspection
