This bill amends the Rhode Island Nonprofit Corporation Act and the Condominium Ownership laws to prevent condominium associations and homeowners associations from prohibiting the installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations by individual owners. It establishes that owners are solely responsible for all costs related to the installation, maintenance, repair, and replacement of the charging stations, as well as any necessary structural modifications and electricity used for charging.
The bill allows for reasonable restrictions on the installation process, including requirements that charging equipment be installed at the owner's expense by a licensed contractor, and that it conforms to applicable health and safety standards, fire codes, and local ordinances. It mandates that declarations and bylaws must permit the installation of EV charging stations, while allowing for reasonable restrictions on the installation process.
The legislation outlines an application process for owners seeking to install chargers, which must be the same as that for architectural modifications. Fees for applications must be reasonable, and applications cannot be denied if they comply with established architectural standards and the provisions of the law. The management committee is prohibited from willfully avoiding or delaying the application process, and if no written denial is issued within 60 days, the application is deemed approved unless the delay is due to a reasonable request for more information.
Additionally, owners are responsible for informing prospective buyers about the existence of the chargers, whether they will remain or be removed upon sale, and the costs associated with maintenance, repair, or removal. The installation and use of chargers must comply with all applicable state and municipal safety and fire codes.
Finally, the bill clarifies that associations are not restricted from establishing and installing EV charging stations in common areas for general use by residents.
Statutes affected: 7338: 7-6-5