Life in Condominiums: EV Charging - When owners take matters into their own hands

It’s not clear what moves faster in life, condominium constructors or technological innovations. As the condominium industry keeps on growing, so does the electric car industry. Every day that passes, more and more people live in condominiums, and more and more people own an electric vehicle (“EV”). Yet, living on the 30th floor of a high-rise condo building and owning an EV can pose quite a big challenge when it comes to charging your EV at home (not even sure if electrical cables that long are available to the public for purchase).

Some condo corporations in Ontario have already decided to “take the bull by the horns” and started a condo construction project to install EV charging stations for residents that own an EV.

Nevertheless, for those owners that bought an EV and don’t have an EV charging station in their condo, there is no need to wait for the condo corporation to decide to install one. In this blog we will go through all the steps for a condo owner to install an EV charging station on their own.

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Life in Condominiums: EV Installations By The Unit Owner - A Step By Step Guide

If you want something done right, do it yourself – Charles-Guillaume Étienne

Application process for EV charger installation

• Step 1: Written Application is submitted

• To initiate the process, the unit owner must submit a written application to the condo corporation, requesting the authorization to install an EV charger in their parking space.

• Step 2: Fist pre-check 

• Within a reasonable timeframe after having received the application, typically within one week, the condo corporation must review the application to confirm it includes all the necessary aspects to continue the evaluation process

• Step 3: Full application review

• If the application is deemed complete, the condominium corporation will have 60 days, from the date in which the application was received, in order to issue its decision regarding the unit owners request to install an EV charger in their parking space .

• Step 4: Condominium's Response:

• The condo corporation within, the aforementioned period, will reply to the unit owner, either approving the application as is, approving it with changes, or rejecting it.

• A very important aspect for condo corporations to keep in mind is the fact that: Non-response within the timeframe will be understood as tacit approval of the owners request.

• Step 5: Preparing a Written Agreement:

• Within 90 days of approval, a written agreement is crafted between the owner and the corporation, detailing installation specifics, cost allocation, ownership, responsibilities, and termination conditions.

• Step 6: Registration:
  

• The signed agreement is registered on the owner's unit title as soon as reasonably possible, rendering it effective.

• Step 7: Installation:

• Following registration, the EV Charging System is installed according to the agreement terms. Breaches by the owner may lead to additional costs added to their unit's common expenses. As always, selecting the right condo vendor will ensure the work flows smoothly.

Under what circumstances can a condominium require changes to an owner's application?

It’s not up to the Condo corporations to decide what changes need to be made to the owner’s application. Changes to an owner's application for an EV charging installation can only under specific circumstances outlined in the regulations.

These circumstances are designed to ensure the safety, structural integrity, and harmonious coexistence within the condominium community. 

• Electrical safety standards: Changes can be required if a qualified professional report clearly states that the proposed installation contravenes the Electrical Safety Code or any other relevant legislation.

• Condominium structure: If the report indicates that the installation would adversely impact the structural integrity of the building, the condominium corporation can request changes. 

• Residents’ wellbeing and rights: Changes can be mandated if the report identifies a serious risk to the health and safety of any person or potential damage to property or the charging system would materially interfere with other residents' use and enjoyment of the property.

• Relocation: The condo corporation can request the relocation or alteration of the EV charging station if said relocation or alteration should not result in unreasonable additional costs.

Explanation and Alternative Plan

If changes are deemed necessary, the condominium corporation must provide a clear explanation of why the EV charging station must be changed and offer the owner an approved alternative plan and specification for the revised location and manner of the EVCS installation. Throughout the process, transparency is key. The condominium corporation should communicate effectively with the unit owner, providing reasons for required changes and facilitating a smooth transition to an alternative plan.

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As life in condominiums expands alongside the electric vehicle industry, the need for EV charging infrastructure becomes clear. By following the steps and collaborating with condo corporations, owners can navigate the complexities or the approval process and get the charging station they want and need. It's crucial for condo corporations to ensure adherence to local regulations and maintain transparent communication throughout.

-Stratastic Inc.

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