HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance No. 2024-021 ORDINANCE NO. 2024-021
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ARLINGTON, WASHINGTON ADDING NEW CHAPTER 20.114
OF THE ARLINGTON MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SYSTEMS AND
TECHNOLOGY UNDER CITY PLANNING NO. PLN 1181
WHEREAS, the city has proposed new regulations for Alternative Energy Systems and
Technology to the City zoning code; and
WHEREAS, the Arlington Planning Commission considered the regulations at docketing
meetings on February 6, 2024 and February 22, 2024, and then on July 2, 2024 and at a public
hearing conducted on July 16, 2024; and
WHEREAS,the Planning Commission made findings and provided its recommendations to
the City Council concerning the proposed regulations; and
WHEREAS, the City Council considered the regulations at docketing meetings on March
11, 2024 and March 18, 2024; and
WHEREAS, the City Council considered the same at a workshop held on July 22, 2024, a
special meeting on July 29, 2024, and considered them along with the Planning Commission
recommendations; and the City Council having determined approving said regulations was in the
best interest of the City; and
WHEREAS,the regulations were presented to the Department of Commerce for comment
and said Department provided comments, comments were addressed and approved for the
ordinance; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has considered the proposed amendment to the municipal
code and finds it to be consistent with city and state law and in the best interests of the citizens;
and
NOW,THEREFORE,the City Council of the City of Arlington does hereby ordain as follows:
Section 1. A new Chapter 20.114 shall be added to the Arlington Municipal Code as
shown in Exhibit A attached to this Ordinance:
Section 2. Severability. Should any section, paragraph, sentence,clause or phrase of this
ordinance, or its application to any person or circumstance, be declared unconstitutional or
otherwise invalid for any reason, or should any portion of this ordinance be pre-empted by state
or federal law or regulation, such decision or pre-emption shall not affect the validity of the
remaining portions of this ordinance or its application to other persons or circumstances.
Section 3. Effective Date. The title of this ordinance which summarizes the contents shall
be published in the official newspaper of the City. This ordinance shall take effect and be in full
force five (5) days after the date of publication as provided by law.
ORDINANCE NO. 2024-021 1
PASSED by the City Council of the City of Arlington and APPROVED by the Mayor this 29th
day of July, 2024.
CITY OF ARLINGTON
Don---E. Vanney, Mayor
ATTEST:
Wendy Van Der Meersche, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Stev ei , City Attorney
ORDINANCE NO. 2024-021 2
Title 10-Land Use Code Chapter 20.114:Alternative Energy Systems and Technology
Chapter 20.114
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGIES
Sections:
Part I. Energy Storage Systems
20.114.010 Authority.
20.114.015 Purpose and Intent
20.114.020 General Requirements
20.114.025 Plan and Specification Submittal Requirements
20.114.030 Additional Required Information
20.114.035 Operation and Maintenance Manual Requirements
20.114.040 System Maintenance
20.114.045 System Training
20.114.050 System Testing
20.114.055 Commissioning Plan
20.114.060 Commissioning Test
20.114.065 Commissioning Report
20.114.070 Decommissioning Plan
20.114.075 Decommissioning Process
20.114.080 Decommissioning Report
20.114.085 Recommissioning of Existing Systems
20.114.090 Emergency Planning and Training
20.114.095 Installation
20.114.100 Hazard Mitigation Analysis(HMA)
20.114.105 Electrochemical Energy Storage Systems
20.114.110 Fire Control and Suppression
20.114.115 Signage
20.114.120 One and Two-Family Dwellings and Townhouse Units
Part II. Battery Energy Storage Systems
20.114.125 Introduction
20.114.130 Authority
20.114.135 General Requirements
20.114.140 Permitting Requirements for Tier 1 Battery Energy Storage Systems
20.114.145 Permitting Requirements for Tier 2 Battery Energy Storage Systems
20.114.150 Permitting Requirements for Tier 3 Battery Energy Storage Systems
20.114.155 Definitions
Part III. Reserved
Part IV. Reserved
Part V. Electric Vehicle Infrastructure
20.114.410 Purpose.
20.114.415 Authority.
20.114.420 Definitions.
20.114.425 Electric Vehicle(EV)Charging Infrastructure.
20.114.430 Electrical Room(s) and Equipment.
20.114.435 Battery Charging Station or Rapid Charging Station-Retrofitting in Existing Development.
20.114.440 Electric Vehicle Charging Station Spaces-Allowed as Required Spaces.
20.114.445 Off-Street Electric Vehicle Charging Station Spaces.
20.114.450 Accessible Electric Vehicle Charging Stations.
20.114.455 Electric Vehicle Charging Station Spaces-Signage.
20.114.460 Charging Station Location,Options, and Charging Connector Diagrams.
City of Arlington 20.114- 1 August 2024
Title 20—Land Use Code Chapter 20.114:Alternative Energy Systems and Technology
Part I. Energy Storage Systems
20.114.010 Authority
This Energy Storage System code is adopted pursuant to provisions WAC 51-54A-1207, NFPA
111,NFPA 68, NFPA 69, NFPA 70,NFPA 76,NFPA 855, UL 9540, UL 9540A, UL 1642
20.114.015—Purpose and Intent
Although this code addresses numerous types of Energy Storage Systems, the City of Arlington is
currently only permitting Battery Energy Storage Systems. The purpose and intent of this code is to
ensure that Energy Storage Systems are installed and maintained to the most current International Building
Code,International Residential Code,National Electric Code,International Fire Code and NFPA Standards
that are available. This code provides a regulatory framework for the safe installation and use of energy
storage systems with the following objectives:
a. To ensure the public health,safety,welfare and quality of life of citizens is maintained.
b. To provide for the correct designation of properties allowing for the construction, operation and
maintenance of energy storage systems.
c. To ensure compatible land uses in the vicinity of the areas that may be affected by energy storage
systems.
d. To mitigate the potential impacts of energy storage systems on environmental resources such as
aquafers, critical areas,forests,wildlife or other protected resources.
e. To support the transition to renewable energy sources.
20.114.020—General Requirements
a. All proposed energy storage systems shall be designed,manufactured,and tested to meet the criteria
required by UL 9540,NFPA I I I or the most current accepted certification process,and UL 9540A,
if the energy storage system utilizes batteries as part of its operation.
b. Energy storage system capacities, including array capacity and separation, are limited to the
thresholds contained in NFPA 855.
c. A land use permit, building permit and electrical permit shall be required for installation of all
energy storage systems.
20.114.025—Plan and Specification Submittal Requirements
a. Location and layout diagram of the room or area in which the ESS is to be installed.
b. Details on hourly fire-resistant-rated assemblies provided or relied upon in relation to the ESS.
c. The quantities and types of ESS units
d. Manufacturer's specifications, ratings,and listings of ESS
e. Description of energy storage management systems and their operation
f. Location and content of required signage
g. Details on fire suppression, smoke or fire detection, gas detection, thermal management,
ventilation,exhaust,and deflagration venting systems, if provided
h. Support arrangement associated with the installation,including any required seismic support.
20.114.030—Additional Required Information
a. Fire and explosion testing data in accordance with Section 20.114.100.
b. Hazard mitigation analysis(HMA) in accordance with Section 20.114.095.
c. Calculations or modeling data to determine compliance with NFPA 68 and NFPA 69 in accordance
with Section 20.114.100.
d. Other test data, evaluation information, or calculations as required elsewhere in this standard.
e. If modeling data is provided,validation of the modeling results shall also be included.
City of Arlington 20.114-2 August 2024
Title 20—Land Use Code Chapter 20.114:Alternative EnerP,y Systems and Technology
20.114.035—Operation and Maintenance Manual Requirements
a. An operations and maintenance manual shall be provided to both the ESS owner or their authorized
agent and system operator before the system is put into operation and includes the following:
b. Submittal data stating the ESS size and selected options for each component of the system.
c. Manufacturer's operation manuals and maintenance manuals for the entire ESS or for each
component of the system requiring maintenance that clearly identify the required routine
maintenance actions.
d. Contact information for a contracted service agency or responsible in-house personnel.
e. A narrative of how the ESS and its components and controls are intended to operate, including
recommended operational set points.
f. A service record log that lists the schedule for all required service and maintenance actions with
space for logging such actions that can be completed over time.
g. The operation and maintenance documentation shall include the following:
1. Procedures for the safe startup of the ESS system and associated equipment.
2. Procedures for inspection and testing of associated alarms,interlocks, and controls.
3. Procedures for maintenance and operation of the following, where applicable:
i. Energy storage management systems(ESMS)
ii. Fire protection equipment and systems.
iii. Spill control and neutralization systems.
iv. Exhaust and ventilation equipment and systems.
v. Gas detection systems
vi. Other required safety equipment and systems
4. Response considerations similar to a safety data sheet(SDS)that address response safety
concerns and extinguishment where an SDS is not required.
5. An instruction that equipment or system changes to the installation are required to be
recorded by updating any engineering documentation.
h. SDS for hazardous materials contained in the ESS shall be posted within sight of the disconnecting
means of any ESS or at a location approved by the City of Arlington
1. For ESS located outdoors, a means shall be provided to protect the SDS from the weather.
i. Where the operations and maintenance documentation calls for detailed procedures to be used for
specific scheduled operational checks or assessments, an operations record that includes data
associated with configurable system settings, system start-up, system shutdown (including
emergency shutdown), and long-term shutdown(storage mode)shall be maintained by the system
owner or their designated agent and be made available to the City of Arlington upon request.
j. The operations record shall be kept in a readily accessible location, or a sign indicating where the
record is located shall be posted adjacent to the system.
k. The operations and maintenance manual shall be prepared prior to final approval of the ESS and
be readily accessible to personnel responsible for the ESS.
1. A copy of the operations and maintenance manual shall be placed in an approved location to be
accessible to the Fire Department,emergency responders, and the City of Arlington.
20.114.040—System Maintenance
a. The ESS shall be maintained in accordance with the system manufacturer's instructions.
b. The maintenance documentation shall include a detailed maintenance schedule covering all
affected equipment and the activities to be performed.
City of Arlington 20.114-3 August 2024
Title 20—Land Use Code Chapter 20.114:Alternative Energy Systems and Technology
c. Maintenance documentation indicating the maintenance action taken, the date of the action, who
implemented the action, and the results associated with the action shall be maintained as required
by Section 20.114.035
d. Maintenance documentation shall record information on any repair, renewal, or renovation made
to the ESS.
20.114.045—System Training
a. Training shall be provided to all those responsible for system operation and maintenance.
b. Training in system operation and maintenance shall be provided by the system owner or their
designated agent.
c. If any recommissioning of the system is conducted, training on any changes to the operation and
maintenance documentation shall be provided.
d. Training records of site operations and maintenance personnel shall be retained and accessible to
the City of Arlington,indicating the training taken,the name(s)of those taking the training,and the
training date.
20.114.050—System Testing
a. System testing shall be performed when required by the operating instructions or maintenance
documentation in accordance with testing procedures provided by the ESS manufacturer.
b. A record of all testing shall be maintained in accordance with the requirements in Section
20.114.035. i
c. Testing records shall be permitted to be made available electronically.
20.114.055—Commissioning Plan
a. The system installer or commissioning agent shall prepare a written commissioning plan that
provides a description of the means and methods necessary to document and verify that the system
and its associated controls and safety systems, as required by this standard, are in proper working
condition.
b. The commissioning plan shall include,but not be limited to,the following information:
1. An overview of the commissioning process developed specifically for the ESS to be
installed and narrative description of the activities to be conducted.
2. Roles and responsibilities for all those involved in the design, commissioning,
construction,installation, or operation of the system(s)
3. Means and methods whereby the commissioning plan will be made available during the
implementation of the ESS project(s)
4. Plans and specifications necessary to understand the operation of the ESS and all associated
operational controls and safety systems.
5. A detailed description of each activity to be conducted during the commissioning process,
who will perform each activity, and at what point in time the activity is to be conducted.
6. Procedures to be used in documenting the proper operation of the ESS and all associated
operational controls and safety systems.
7. Testing for any required fire detection or suppression and thermal management,ventilation,
or exhaust systems associated with the installation and verification of proper operation of
the safety controls.
City of Arlington 20.114-4 August 2024
Title 20—Land Use Code Chapter 20.114:Alternative Energy Systems and Technology
8. The following documentation:
i. Commissioning checklist
ii. Relevant operational testing forms
iii. Necessary commissioning logs
iv. Progress reports
9. Means and methods whereby facility operation and maintenance staff will be trained on
the system.
10. Identification of personnel who are qualified to service and maintain the system and
respond to incidents involving each system.
11. A decommissioning plan meeting the provisions of Section 20.114.070 that covers the
removal of the system from service and from the facility in which it is located and
information on disposal of materials associated with each ESS.
20.114.060—Commissioning Test
a. ESS shall be evaluated for their proper operation by the system installer in accordance with the
manufacturer's instructions,the commissioning plan,and the requirements of this section after the
installation is complete but prior to final approval.
b. System testing shall be conducted as a component of the commissioning process and include
functional performance testing of the ESS that demonstrates that the installation and operation of
the system and associated components, controls,and safety-related systems are in accordance with
approved plans and specifications and that the operation, function,and maintenance serviceability
for each of the commissioned ESS is confirmed.
20.114.065—Commissioning Report
a. The commissioning report shall be provided by the system installer or commissioning agent to the
system(s)owner and the City of Arlington prior to final inspection and approval.
b. The commissioning report shall document the commissioning process and the results in accordance
with Section 20.114.065 (c)(d)and(e).
c. A commissioning report shall summarize the commissioning process and verify the proper
operation of the system and associated operational controls and safety systems.
d. The report shall include the final commissioning plan, the results of the commissioning process,
and a copy of the plans and specifications associated with the as-built system design and
installation.
e. The report shall include any issues identified during commissioning and the measures taken to
resolve them.
20.114.070—Decommissioning Plan
a. Prior to decommissioning,the owner of an ESS or their designated agent(s)shall prepare a written
decommissioning plan complying with Section 20.114.070 (d) that provides the organization,
documentation requirements, and methods and tools necessary to indicate how the safety systems
as required by this standard and the ESS and its components will be decommissioned,and the ESS
removed from the site.
b. Lead-acid and nickel-cadmium battery systems less than 50 V ac, 60 V do that are in
telecommunications facilities for installations of communications equipment under the exclusive
control of communications utilities and located outdoors or in building spaces or walk-in units used
exclusively for such installations that are in compliance with NFPA 76 shall be permitted to have a
decommissioning plan in compliance with recognized industry practices in lieu of complying with
20.114.070(d).
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Title 20—Land Use Code Chapter 20.114:Alternative Energy Systems and Technology
c. Lead-acid and nickel-cadmium battery systems that are used for do power for control of substations
and control or safe shutdown of generating stations under the exclusive control of the electric
utilities and located outdoors or in building spaces used exclusively for such installations shall be
permitted to have a decommissioning plan complying with applicable governmental laws and
regulations in lieu of complying with 20.114.070(d).
d. The decommissioning plan shall be provided to the City of Arlington and include the following
information:
1. An overview of the decommissioning process developed specifically for the ESS that is to
be decommissioned.
2. Roles and responsibilities for all those involved in the decommissioning of the ESS and
their removal from the site.
3. Means and methods in the decommissioning plan submitted during the permitting process
to be made available at a point in time corresponding to the decision to decommission the
ESS.
4. Plans and specifications necessary to understand the ESS and all associated operational
controls and safety systems,as built, operated,and maintained.
5. A detailed description of each activity to be conducted during the decommissioning process
and who will perform that activity and at what point in time.
6. Procedures to be used in documenting the ESS and all associated operational controls and
safety systems that have been decommissioned.
7. Guidelines and format for a decommissioning checklist and relevant operational testing
forms and necessary decommissioning logs and progress reports
8. A description of how any changes to the surrounding areas and other systems adjacent to
the ESS, including, but not limited to, structural elements,building penetrations,means of
egress, and required fire detection and suppression systems, will be protected during
decommissioning and confirmed as being acceptable after the system is removed.
20.114.075—Decommissioning Process
a. The City of Arlington shall be notified prior to decommissioning an ESS.
b. The ESS shall be decommissioned by the owner of the ESS or their designated agent(s) in
accordance with the decommissioning plan.
20.114.080—Decommissioning Report
a. A decommissioning report shall be prepared by the ESS owner or their designated agent and
summarize the decommissioning process of the system and associated operational controls and
safety systems.
b. The report shall include the final decommissioning plan and the results of the decommissioning
process.
c. The report shall include any issues identified during decommissioning and the measures taken to
resolve them.
d. The decommissioning report shall be retained by the owner and provided to the City of Arlington
upon request.
20.114.085—Recommissioning of Eristina Svstems
a. Recommissioning shall meet the provisions of Section 20.114.065 and include the entire system
with issuance of a new commissioning report, identification of any new issues and resolutions
documentation, and identification of any revisions to the operations and maintenance
documentation.
City of Arlington 20.114-6 August 2024
Title 20—Land Use Code Chapter 20.114:Alternative Energy Systems and Technology
b. When alterations, additions, repositioning, or renovations to the system or any of its components
are warranted,they shall be permitted in accordance with Sections 20.114.020—20.114.050 and be
performed by qualified entities and the system recommissioned in accordance with Sections
20.114.055—20.114.065.
c. Repairs or renewals to systems utilizing identical components shall not require recommissioning.
d. Listed ESS that has been modified in the field beyond the field-installed options that are part of the
listing shall be investigated and found suitable by the organization that listed the equipment.
20.114.090—Emergency Planning;and Training
a. For ESS installations that exceed the maximum stored energy limits of Table 20.114.090T,
emergency planning and training shall be provided by the owner of the ESS or their authorized
representative so that ESS facility operations and maintenance personnel and emergency
responders can address foreseeable hazards associated with the on-site systems.
b. For ESS installations that exceed the maximum stored energy limits of Table 20.114.090T, an
emergency operations plan and associated training shall be established,maintained,and conducted
by ESS facility operations and maintenance personnel.
c. An emergency operations plan shall be readily available for use by facility operations and
maintenance personnel.
d. For normally occupied facilities,the emergency operations plan shall be on site.
e. The plan shall be updated when conditions that affect the response considerations and procedures
change.
f. The emergency operations plan shall include the following:
l. Procedures for safe shutdown, de-energizing,or isolation of equipment and systems under
emergency conditions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and personal injuries, and
for safe start-up following cessation of emergency conditions.
2. Procedures for inspection and testing of associated alarms,interlocks, and controls.
3. Procedures to be followed in response to notifications of system alarms or out-of-range
conditions that could signify potentially dangerous conditions, including shutting down
equipment,summoning service or repair personnel,and providing agreed-upon notification
to fire department personnel, if required.
4. Emergency procedures to be followed in case of fire, explosion, release of liquids or
vapors, damage to critical moving parts,or other potentially dangerous conditions.
5. Response considerations similar to a safety data sheet (SDS) that will address response
safety concerns and extinguishment when an SDS is not required.
6. Procedures for dealing with ESS equipment damaged in a fire or other emergency event,
including contact information for personnel qualified to safely remove damaged ESS
equipment from the facility.
7. Other procedures as determined necessary by the City of Arlington to provide for the safety
of occupants and emergency responders.
8. Procedures and schedules for conducting drills of these procedures.
20.114.095—Installation
a. Maximum Stored Energy:ESS in the following locations shall comply with 20.114.095 as follows:
1. Fire areas within non-dedicated-use buildings containing ESS shall not exceed the
maximum stored energy values in table 20.114.095T except as permitted by Section
20.114.095(i).
2. Outdoor ESS installations in locations near exposures shall not exceed the maximum stored
energy values in table 20.114.095T except as permitted by 20.114.105(ii).
City of Arlington 20.114-7 August 2024
Title 20—Land Use Code Chapter 20 114:Alternative Energy Systems and Technology
3. ESS installations in open parking garages and on rooftops of buildings shall not exceed the
maximum stored energy values in table 20.114.095T except as permitted
by 20.114.095(ii).
4. Mobile ESS equipment as covered by NFPA 855 Chapter 9 Section 9.5.3.2 shall not exceed
the maximum stored energy values in table 20.114.095T except as permitted by Section
20.114.95(ii).
b. Table 20.114.095T: Maximum Stored Energy
ESS Type Maximum Stored Energy'(kWh)
Lead-acid batteries, all types Unlimited
Nickel batteriesb Unlimited
Lithium-ion batteries, all types 600
Sodium nickel chloride batteries 600
Flow batteries' 600
Other battery technologies 200
Storage capacitors 20
aFor ratings in amp-hrs,kWh should equal maximum rated voltage multiplied by amp-hr rating
divided by 1000.
'Nickel battery technologies include nickel cadmium(Ni-Cad),nickel metal hydride(Ni-MH),and
nickel zinc(Ni-Zn).
°Includes vanadium,zinc-bromine,polysulfide,bromide,and other flowing electrolyte-type
technologies.
i. Where approved by the City of Arlington,fire areas in non-dedicated-use buildings
containing ESS that exceed the amounts in table 20.114.095T shall be permitted
based on a hazard mitigation analysis in accordance with Section 20.114.100 and
fire and explosion testing complying with Section 20.114.105.
ii. Where approved by the City of Arlington, outdoor ESS installations, ESS
installations in open parking garages and on rooftops of buildings,and mobile ESS
equipment that exceed the amounts in table 20.114.095T shall be permitted based
on a hazard mitigation analysis in accordance with Section 20.114.100 and fire and
explosion testing in accordance with Section 20.114.105.
iii. Where a single fire area within a building or walk-in unit contains a combination of
energy systems covered in table 20.114.095T, the maximum stored energy per fire
area shall be determined based on the sum of percentages of each type divided by
the maximum stored energy of each type.
iv. The sum of the percentages calculated in Section 20.114.095(iii)shall not exceed
100 percent except as permitted in Section 20.114.095(i)or Section 20.114.095(h).
c. Size and Separation.
i. ESS shall be comprised of groups with a maximum stored energy of 50 kWh each.
ii. Each group shall be spaced a minimum of 3 ft(0.9 m)from other groups and from
walls in the storage room or area.
iii. The AHJ shall be permitted to approve groups with larger energy capacities or
smaller group spacing based on performance criteria from fire and explosion testing
complying with Section 20.114.105(e).
City of Arlington 20.114-8 August 2024
Title 20—Land Use Code Chapter 20.114:Alternative EnerSystems and Technology
20.114.100—Hazard Mitigation Analysis(HMA)
a. A hazard mitigation analysis shall be provided to the City of Arlington for review and approval
where any of the following conditions are present:
1. Technologies not specifically addressed in this Chapter are provided.
2. More than one ESS technology is provided in a single fire area where adverse interaction
between the technologies is possible.
3. Where allowed as a basis for increasing maximum stored energy as specified in
20.114.095(i)and 20.114.095(ii).
4. Where required by the City of Arlington to address a potential hazard with an ESS
installation that is not addressed by existing requirements.
5. Where required for existing lithium-ion ESS systems that are not UL 9540 listed.
6. Where required for outdoor lithium-ion battery ESS systems.
7. The hazard mitigation analysis shall evaluate the consequences of the following failure
modes and others deemed necessary by the City of Arlington:
i. A thermal runaway or mechanical failure condition in a single ESS unit.
ii. Failure of an energy storage management system or protection system that is not
covered by the product listing failure modes and effects analysis(FMEA)
iii. Failure of a required protection system including, but not limited to, ventilation
(HVAC), exhaust ventilation, smoke detection, fire detection, fire suppression, or
gas detection.
20.114.105—Electrochemical Energy Storage_Systems
a. The requirements of this chapter shall apply to installations of electrochemical ESS, including, but
not limited to, battery ESS and electrochemical double-layer capacitator(EDLC)ESS.
b.This chapter shall not apply to surge capacitors installed in accordance with Article 460 of NFPA 70.
c.This chapter shall not apply to capacitors and capacitor equipment for electric utilities and industrial
facilities used in applications such as flexible ac transmission (FACTS) devices, filter capacitor
banks, power factor correction, and standalone capacitor banks for voltage correction and
stabilization.
d. Unless modified by this chapter, the requirements of Sections 20.114.020 — 20.114.100 shall also
apply.
e. Where required elsewhere in this chapter, fire and explosion testing in accordance with Section
20.114.105 shall be conducted on a representative ESS in accordance with UL 9540A or equivalent
test standard.
f. Lead-acid and nickel-cadmium batteries used in standby power systems and listed to UL 1973 shall
not require UL 9540A testing when they are installed with a charging system that is listed to UL 1012,
UL 60950-1,or UL 62368-1, or a UPS listed to UL 1778.
g. The testing shall be conducted or witnessed and reported by an approved testing laboratory to
characterize the composition of the gases generated and show that a fire involving one ESS unit will
not propagate to an adjacent unit.
h. The representative cell, modules, and units tested, including any optional integral fire suppression
system, shall match the intended installation configuration other than the addition of the cell failure
mechanism utilized for cell thermal runaway initiation.
i. The testing shall include evaluation of deflagration mitigation measures when designed into ESS
cabinets.
j.The complete test report and its supporting data shall be provided to the AHJ for review and approval.
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Title 20—Land Use Code Chanter 20.114:Alternative Energy Systems and Technology
k. The test report shall be accompanied by a supplemental report prepared by a registered design
professional with expertise in fire protection engineering that provides interpretation of the test data
in relation to the installation requirements for the ESS.
20.114.110—Fire Control and Suppression
a. Where required elsewhere in this chapter, fire control and suppression for rooms or areas within
buildings and outdoor walk-in units containing ESS shall be provided in accordance with this
section.
b. Lead-acid and nickel-cadmium battery systems less than 50 V ac, 60 V do that are in
telecommunications facilities for installations of communications equipment under the exclusive
control of communications utilities and located outdoors or in building spaces used exclusively for
such installations that comply with NFPA 76 shall not be required to have a fire suppression system
installed.
c. Lead-acid battery systems in uninterruptable power supplies listed and labeled in accordance with
the application utilized for standby power applications,which is limited to not more than 10 percent
of the floor area on the floor on which the ESS is located, shall not be required to have a fire
suppression system installed.
d. Lead-acid and nickel-cadmium battery systems that are used for do power for control of substations
and control or safe shutdown of generating stations under the exclusive control of the electric utility
and located outdoors or in building spaces used exclusively for such installations shall not be
required to have a fire suppression system installed.
e. When approved by the City of Arlington, ESS shall be permitted to be installed in open parking
garages without the protection of an automatic fire suppression system where fire, explosion, and
fault condition testing documents the system does not present an exposure hazard to parked vehicles
when installed in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and this standard.
f. When approved by the City of Arlington, ESS shall be permitted to be installed in ESS dedicated-
use buildings without the protection of an automatic fire control and suppression system where fire
and explosion testing conducted in accordance with Section 20.114.105 documents that an ESS fire
does not compromise the means of egress and does not present an exposure hazard to buildings,lot
lines, public ways, stored combustible materials, hazardous materials, high-piled stock, and other
exposure hazards not associated with electrical grid infrastructure.
g. When approved by the City of Arlington,ESS shall be permitted to be installed in outdoor walk-in
enclosures without the protection of an automatic fire control and suppression system where fire
and explosion testing conducted in accordance with 20.114.105 documents that an ESS fire does
not compromise the means of egress and does not present an exposure hazard.
h. Where more than one ESS technology is present within a fire area,the fire protection systems shall
be designed to protect the greatest hazard.
20.114.115—Signage
a. Approved signage shall be provided in the following locations:
L " On the front of doors to rooms or areas containing ESS or in approved locations near
entrances to ESS rooms.
2. On the front of doors to outdoor occupiable ESS containers.
3. In approved locations on outdoor ESS that are not enclosed in occupiable containers or
otherwise enclosed.
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Title 20—Land Use Code Chapter 20.114:Alternative Energy Systems and Technology
b. The required signage shall be in compliance with ANSI Z535 and include the following information
as shown below:
l. "Energy Storage Systems"with symbol of lightning bolt in a triangle.
2. Type of technology associated with the ESS.
3. Any special hazards associated with the specific type of ESS.
4. Type of suppression system installed in the area of the ESS.
5. Emergency contact information.
C.
ENERGY STORAGE
Aj SYSTEMS �1Q
TYPE OF TECHNOLOGY
SPECIAL HAZARDS
EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
SUPPRESSION SYSTEM
20.114.120—One and Two-Family Dwellings and Townhouse Units
a. General- ESS installations with a rating of 1 kWh(3.6 MJ) or greater and associated with one- or
two-family dwellings or townhouse units shall comply with the requirements of this chapter.
b. Equipment Listings-ESS shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 9540.
c. Installation - ESS shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and their
listing.
1. ESS Spacing- Individual ESS units shall be separated from each other by a minimum of
3 ft(914 mm)unless smaller separation distances are documented to be adequate based on
fire and explosion testing complying with Section 20.114.120(1).
2. Labeling-A label containing emergency contact information for the qualified service and
maintenance providers shall be provided on the exterior of the installed ESS.
d. Locations-ESS shall only be installed in the following locations:
1. In attached garages separated from the dwelling unit living area and sleeping units in
accordance with the local building code.
2. In detached garages and detached accessory structures.
3. Outdoors on exterior walls or on the ground located a minimum of 3 ft (914 mm) from
doors and windows directly entering the dwelling unit.
4. In enclosed utility closets and storage or utility spaces where approved by the City of
Arlington.
5. If the room or space where the ESS is to be installed is not finished or noncombustible,the
walls and ceilings of the room or space shall be protected with not less than 5B in.Type X
gypsum board.
6. ESS shall not be installed in sleeping rooms, or in closets or spaces opening directly into
sleeping rooms.
e. Energy Ratings - Individual ESS units shall have a maximum stored energy of 20 kWh. The
aggregate rating of the ESS shall not exceed the following for each location listed:
1. 40 kWh within utility closets,basements,and storage or utility spaces.
2. 80 kWh in attached or detached garages and detached accessory structures.
3. 80 kWh where outdoor wall mounted.
4. 80 kWh where outdoor ground mounted.
City of Arlington 20.114- 11 August 2024
Title 20—Land Use Code Chapter 20.114:Alternative Energy Systems and Technology
f. Electrical Installation-ESS shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 70.
1. Inverters shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 1741 or provided as part of the
UL 9540 listing.
2. Systems connected to the utility grid shall use inverters listed for utility interaction.
g. Fire Detection
1. Rooms and areas within dwelling units,basements,and attached garages in which ESS are
installed shall be protected by interconnected smoke alarms in accordance with the local
building code.
2. A heat detector or alarm, listed and interconnected to the smoke alarms, shall be installed
in locations within dwelling units and attached garages where smoke alarms cannot be
installed in accordance with their listing.
h. Protection from Impact- ESS installed in a location subject to vehicle damage shall be protected
by approved barriers. Vehicle impact protection consisting of guard posts or other approved means
shall be provided where ESS are subject to impact by motor vehicles. For residential garages, ESS
shall not be installed in a location subject to damage from impact by a motor vehicle.
1. When guard posts are installed,they shall be designed as follows:
i. Posts shall be constructed of steel not less than 4 in.(100 mm)in diameter.
ii. Posts shall be filled with concrete.
iii. Posts shall be spaced not more than 4 ft(1.2 m)on center.
iv. Posts shall be set not less than 3 ft (0.9 m) deep in a concrete footing of not less
than 15 in. (380 mm)diameter.
v. The top of the posts shall be set not less than 3 ft(0.9 m)above ground.
vi. Posts shall be located not less than 3 ft(0.9 m)from the ESS.
i. Exhaust Ventilation - Indoor installations of ESS that include batteries that produce hydrogen or
other flammable gases during charging shall meet the exhaust ventilation requirements in
accordance with NFPA 855 Chaptef 9.6.5.1.
j. ESS Toxic and Highly Toxic Gas Release During Normal Use - ESS that have the potential to
release toxic or highly toxic gas during charging, discharging, and normal use conditions shall be
installed outdoors.
k. Test Reports - ESS installed in accordance with Section 20.114.120 shall be provided with a
product-level evaluation by an approved qualified person with expertise in energy storage as a
supplemental safety document to be used by the City of Arlington and the installing contractors.
1. Fire and Explosion Testing - Where required by Section 20.114.095 (c)(ii), fire and explosion
testing shall be conducted on a representative ESS in accordance with UL 9540A or equivalent test
standards.
1. The complete UL 9540A or equivalent test report shall be provided to the authority having
jurisdiction, including the cell,module, and unit level.
2. Lead-acid and nickel-cadmium batteries used in standby power systems and listed to UL
1973 shall not require UL 9540A testing when installed with a charging system listed to
UL 1012,UL 60950-1, or UL 62368-1,or a UPS listed to UL 1778.
3. The testing shall be conducted, witnessed, and reported by an approved testing laboratory
to characterize the composition of the gases generated and show that a fire involving one
ESS unit will not propagate to an adjacent unit.
4. The representative cell, modules, and units tested, including any optional integral fire
suppression system, shall match the intended installation configuration other than the
addition of the cell failure mechanism utilized for cell thermal runaway initiation.
City of Arlington 20.114- 12 August 2024
Title 20—Land Use Code Chapter 20.114:Alternative Energy Systems and Technology
5. The testing shall include evaluating deflagration mitigation measures when designed into
ESS cabinets.
Part II—Battery Energy Storage Systems
20.114.125 - Introduction
a. Batteries are a unique class of energy storage system infrastructure. Because the basic unit is a
small cell or pouch, a BESS is modular in nature and can be configured in virtually any size.
Additionally, a BESS has relatively limited infrastructure requirements, needing a concrete pad to
sit on and a connection to the electric grid.These two factors-modularity and limited infrastructure
needs-means that a BESS can be built virtually anywhere, including in close proximity to existing
commercial and residential uses.
b. Battery Energy Storage Systems can consist of numerous battery types,listed within the definitions
section,but lithium-ion batteries are currently the most prevalent technology and can be configured
as a large-scale system consisting of several acres, or a small system installed in the garage of a
home or anything in between. The energy density of lithium-ion batteries is its key benefit, it is
also its greatest risk. Lithium-ion batteries store large amounts of energy in a small space coupled
with having a flammable electrolyte, having the potential to become unstable and enter thermal
runaway-a state in which the chemical reactions within the battery release excess energy and gasses
that cause battery failure and fires.
20.114.130—Authority
This Battery Energy Storage System code is adopted pursuant to provisions within WAC 51-54A-
1207, NFPA 111, NFPA 68, NFPA 69, NFPA 70, NFPA 76, NFPA 855, UL 9540, UL 9540A, UL
1642
20.114.135—General Requirements
a. A Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) permit, in conjunction with a building permit, issued by
the City of Arlington,an electrical permit, issued by the Washington State Department of Labor and
Industries shall be required for the installation of all battery energy storage systems. In addition, a
land use permit, issued by the City of Arlington, shall be required for the installation of all Tier 2
and Tier 3 battery energy storage systems.
b. All battery energy storage systems,all Dedicated Use Buildings,and all other buildings or structures
that(a) contain or are otherwise associated with a battery energy storage system and(b) subject to
the requirements of the most current editions of the International Codes (IBC, IFC, IRC) including
applicable state amendments, and the most current editions of both the National Electrical Code
(NEC). All battery energy storage systems shall comply with NFPA 855, the standard for the
installation of Stationary Energy Storage Systems,and all equipment shall be UL 9540 listed.
c. An approved energy storage management system shall be provided for battery technologies other
than lead-acid and nickel cadmium for monitoring and balancing cell voltages,currents,and
temperatures within the manufacturer's specifications.The system shall transmit an alarm signal to
an approved location if potentially hazardous temperatures or other conditions such as short
circuits, over voltage or under voltage are detected.
City of Arlington 20.114- 13 August 2024
Title 20—Land Use Code Chapter 20.114:Alternative Energy Systems and Technology
20.114.140—Permitting Requirements for Tier 1 Battery Energy Storage Systems
Tier 1 Battery Energy Storage Systems are allowed in all zoning districts, subject to the
applicable requirements of the most current editions of the IRC, IBC,NEC,NFPA 70,NFPA 855,
and all equipment shall be UL 9540 listed.Tier 1 systems are subject to minor floor plan/site plan
review as required in the BESS Permit. Tier 1 systems, if installed outside a structure, shall meet
all established setbacks for the zone they are within,be protected by fencing and screened from
view by adjacent property and the public Right of Way.
20.114.145—Permitting Requirements for Tier 2 Battery Energy Storage Systems
Tier 2 Battery Energy Storage Systems are allowed, in conjunction with a Special Use Permit,
within the Highway Commercial(HQ, Business Park(BP)Light Industrial(LI)and General
Industrial(GI)zones,subject to the applicable requirements of the most current edition of the
IEC, IBC,NEC, and NFPA 855.,and are subject to administrative site plan review. Tier 2 systems
shall be set back a minimum of fifty(50)feet from adjacent properties,provide security fencing
and be screened from view from adjacent property and public Right of Way.
20.114.150—Permitting Requirements for Tier 3 Battery Energy Storage Systems
a. Tier 3 Battery Energy Storage Systems are allowed only in General Industrial (GI) zones, in
conjunction with a Conditional Use Permit.Tier 3 systems shall be set back five hundred(500)feet
from any residentially zoned property, provide security fencing, and be screened from view from
adjacent property and the public Right of Way. All Tier 3 Battery Energy Storage Systems shall
adhere to the most current edition of the following Codes, Standards and Test Methods:
1. 2021 International Fire Code®(IFC)
2. 2021 NFPA 1, Fire Code(NFPA 1)
3. 2023 NFPA 855,Standard for the Installation of Stationary Energy Storage Systems(NFPA
855).
4. 2018 NFPA 68,Standard on Explosion Protection by Deflagration Venting(NFPA 68)
5. 2019 NFPA 69,Standard on Explosion Prevention Systems(NFPA 69)
6. IEC 60529, Degrees of Protection Provided by Enclosures, 2.2 Edition, January 2019 (IP
Code)
7. IEC 62619, Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid
electrolytes — Safety requirements for secondary lithium cells and batteries, for use in
industrial applications, Edition 1.0, 2017 (IEC 62619)
8. IEC 62933-5-2, Electrical energy storage (EES) systems - Part 5-2: Safety requirements
for grid-integrated EES systems - Electrochemical-based systems, April 15, 2020 (IEC
62933-5-2).
9. UL 1642,Lithium Batteries, Edition 6, September 29,2020 (UL 1642).
10. UL 1973,Standard for Batteries for Use in Stationary, Vehicle Auxiliary Power and Light
Electric Rail(LER)Applications, Edition 2, February 7,2018 (UL 1973).
11. UL 9540, Standard for Safety of Energy Storage Systems and Equipment, Edition 2,
February 27,2020(UL 9540).
12. UL 9540A, Test Method for Evaluating Thermal Runaway Fire Propagation in Battery
Energy Storage Systems, Edition 4,November 12,2019(UL 9540A).
City of Arlington 20.114- 14 August 2024
Title 20—Land Use Code Chanter 20.114:Alternative Energy Systems and Technology
20.114.155—Definitions
As used in this Chapter,the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ): The organization, agency, or individual responsible for enforcing
codes, standards,and regulations related to building construction,fire prevention,and life safety.
American National Standards Institute (ANSI): A private, non-profit organization that oversees the
development of voluntary consensus standards for products,services, processes, systems,and personnel in
the United States.ANSI standards are not mandatory by law,but they are widely used as the foundation for
industry standards and best practices. Many OSHA standards reference ANSI standards and using products
that meet ANSI standards can help comply with OSHA requirements.
Ancillary Services:Support services provided by energy resources or systems to help maintain grid stability,
reliability, and efficiency. Examples include frequency regulation,voltage support,and spinning reserves.
Bi-directional Inverter:An inverter that can convert electricity between alternating current(AC)and direct
current(DC) in both directions, enabling the charging and discharging of energy storage systems, and the
integration of renewable energy sources and electric vehicles with the grid.
Battery Degradation:The gradual decline in the performance and capacity of a battery over time,typically
resulting from factors such as the number of charge and discharge cycles,depth of discharge,and operating
conditions,such as temperature and humidity.
Battery Energy Storage System:A rechargeable energy storage system consisting of electrochemical storage
batteries,battery chargers,controls and associated electrical equipment designed to provide electrical power
to a building. The system is typically used to provide standby or emergency power, an uninterruptable
power supply, load shedding, load sharing or similar capabilities. A battery energy storage system is
classified as a Tier 1,Tier 2,or Tier 3 battery energy storage system as follows:
a. Tier I (Residential-Scale)battery energy storage systems have a maximum stored energy capacity
less than or equal to 20 kWh and, if in a room or enclosed area, consist of only a single energy
storage system technology.The aggregate rating of the ESS shall not exceed the following for each
location listed:
a. 40 kWh within utility closets, basements,and storage or utility spaces
b. 80 kWh in attached or detached garages and detached accessory structures.
c. 80 kWh where outdoor wall mounted.
d. 80 kWh where outdoor ground mounted.
b. Tier 2 (Medium -Scale/Commercial) battery energy storage systems have an aggregate energy
capacity greater than 40 kWh up to 600(kWh).
c. Tier 3 (Industrial-Scale/Public Utility)battery energy storage systems having an aggregate energy
capacity greater than 600 kWh, up to, but not exceeding 200 mega-watt hours (MWh), or battery
energy storage systems with more than one storage battery energy technology is provided in a room
or enclosed area.An HMA shall be required for lithium-ion ESS that exceed 600 kWh(2,160 MJ)
for outdoor ESS installations, ESS installations in open parking garages and on rooftops of
buildings, and mobile ESS equipment.
Battery Storage: Battery storage systems store energy generated by resources,like hydro,solar or wind,for
use during peak demand or when renewable generation is low. This helps balance the grid and reduce
reliance on fossil fuels.
City of Arlington 20.114- 15 August 2024
Title 20—Land Use Code Chapter 20.114:Alternative Energy Systems and Technology
Battery Types: For the purposes of this code,certain types are defined as follows:
Flow battery: A type of storage battery that includes chemical components dissolved in two different
liquids.Ion exchange,which provides the flow of electrical current,occurs through the membrane while
both liquids circulate in their respective spaces.
Lead-acid battery:A storage battery that is comprised of lead electrodes immersed in a solution of water
and sulphuric acid electrolyte.
Lithium metal polymer battery:A storage battery that is similar to the lithium-ion battery except that it
has a lithium metal anode in the place of the traditional carbon or graphite anode.
Lithium-ion battery:A storage battery with lithium ions serving as the charge carriers of the battery.The
electrolyte is a polymer mixture of carbonates with an inorganic salt and can be in a liquid or a gelled
polymer form. Lithiated metal oxide is typically a cathode and forms of carbon or graphite typically
form the anode.
Nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) battery: An alkaline storage battery in which the positive active material is
nickel oxide, the negative electrode contains cadmium, and the electrolyte is a solution of water and
potassium hydroxide.
Nickel-metal hydride(Ni-MH):An alkaline storage battery in which the positive active material is nickel
oxide, the negative electrode is an intermetallic compound, and the electrolyte is usually potassium
hydroxide.
Stationary Storage Battery:A group of electrochemical cells and associated power conversion systems
interconnected to supply AC or DC power to a suitably connected electrical load, designed for service
in a permanent location.
Behind-the-Meter(BTM:A term used to describe energy generation or storage systems that are located on
the customer's side of the utility meter,typically used for self-consumption or backup power,and potentially
providing grid support services through demand response or net metering programs.
Energy Capacity: The amount of energy that an energy storage system can store, typically measured in
kilowatt-hours(kWh)or megawatt-hours(MWh).
Capacitor Energy Storage System: A stationary, rechargeable energy storage system consisting of
capacitors,chargers,controls and associated electrical equipment designed to provide electrical power to a
building or facility.The system is typically used to provide standby or emergency power,an uninterruptable
power supply, load shedding, load sharing or similar capabilities.
Cycles: The number of times an energy storage system can be charged and discharged.A higher cycle life
indicates longer battery life.
DC Coupling:A method of connecting a solar array and energy storage system that uses a single inverter,
improving overall system efficiency.
Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS): A system that integrates and manages
distributed energy resources, such as solar panels, wind turbines, and energy storage systems,to optimize
their operation and support the grid.
City of Arlington 20.114- 16 August 2024
Title 20—Land Use Code Chapter 20.114:Alternative Energy Systems and Technology
Distributed Generation(DG):The production of electricity from small-scale,decentralized energy sources,
such as rooftop solar panels,small wind turbines,or combined heat and power systems,located close to the
point of consumption.
Energy Arbitrage:The practice of buying energy at a lower price during periods of low demand and storing
it for later use when prices are higher,thereby profiting from the difference in energy prices.
Energy Storage Management System:An electronic system that protects stationary energy storage batteries
systems from operating outside their safe operating parameters and disconnects electrical power to the ESS
or places it in a safe condition if potentially hazardous temperatures or other conditions are detected.
Energy Storage System (ESS): One or more devices,assembled together,capable of storing energy in order
to supply electrical energy at a future time.
Energy Storage System, Electrochemical: An energy storage system that stores energy and produces
electricity using chemical reactions. It includes,among others,battery ESS and capacitor ESS.
Energy Storage System, Mobile: An energy storage system capable of being moved and utilized for
temporary energy storage applications, and not installed as fixed or stationary electrical equipment. The
system can include integral wheels for transportation or be loaded on a trailer and unloaded for charging,
storage and deployment.
Energy Storage System, Stationary: An energy storage system installed as fixed or stationary electrical
equipment in a permanent location.
Energy Storage System, Walk-In Unit: A prefabricated building that contains energy storage systems. It
includes doors that provide walk-in access for personnel to maintain,test and service the equipment,and is
typically used in outdoor and mobile ESS applications.
Energy Storage System Cabinet: A cabinet containing components of the energy storage system that is
included in the 9540-2016 listing for the system. Personnel are not able to enter the enclosure other than
reaching in to access components for maintenance purposes.
Energy Storage System Commissioning:A systematic process that provides documented confirmation that
an energy storage system functions according to the intended design criteria and complies with applicable
code requirements.
Energy Storage System Decommissioning: A systematic process that provides documentation and
procedures that allow an energy storage system to be safely de-energized, disassembled, readied for
shipment or storage, and removed from the premises in accordance with applicable code requirements.
Flywheel Energy Storage: A mechanical energy storage system that stores energy in a rotating mass.
Flywheel energy storage systems have a fast response time and high efficiency.
Grid-Scale Energy Storage: Large-scale energy storage systems, typically with capacities of multiple
megawatt-hours or more, designed to provide grid support services, such as frequency regulation, load
shifting,and backup power,to help maintain grid reliability and accommodate the integration of renewable
energy sources.
Green Hydrogen: An emerging energy storage technology, green hydrogen is produced through the
electrolysis of water using renewable energy. It can be stored and used as a fuel when needed.
City of Arlington 20.114- 17 August 2024
Title 20—Land Use Code Chapter 20.114:Alternative Energy Systems and Technology
Hybrid Solar Inverter:A device that combines the functions of a solar inverter and a battery inverter,hybrid
solar inverters enable seamless integration of solar power and energy storage systems.
International Building Code (IBC): A module of the code series developed by the International Code
Council, that establishes the base code standards for most jurisdictions in the United States. The IBC
addresses both health and safety concerns for buildings based upon prescriptive and performance related
requirements. The IBC is fully compatible with all other published ICC codes. The code provisions are
intended to protect public health and safety while avoiding both unnecessary costs and preferential
treatment of specific materials or methods of construction.
International Fire Code (IFC):A module of the code series developed by the International Code Council,
it establishes the minimum requirements for fire prevention and fire protection systems using prescriptive
and performance-related provisions. It is founded on broad-based principles that make possible the new
materials and new system designs.This requires utilizing of the most current version.
International Residential Code (IRC): A module of the code series developed by the International Code
Council,it applies to all new one-and two-family dwellings and townhomes up to three stories,it is intended
to ensure efficient and flexible building designs that protect health and safety and encourage the use of
technological advances. It covers all aspects of construction in a single code,including building,plumbing,
mechanical services, energy conservation, fuel gas and electrical provisions.
Islanding:A situation in which a portion of the grid, such as a microgrid, becomes disconnected from the
main grid and continues to operate independently,maintaining power supply to its local consumers.
Load Shifting:A strategy used to move energy consumption from periods of high demand to periods of low
demand, improving the overall efficiency of the electrical grid.
Microgrid:A localized energy system that can operate independently from the main electrical grid,typically
consisting of multiple distributed energy resources.
National Electrical Code(NEC), or NFPA 70: Is a regionally adoptable standard for the safe installation of
electrical wiring and equipment in the United States. It is part of the National Fire Code series published
by the National Fire Protection Association,a private trade association.
National Fire Protection Association: The National Fire Protection Association is a U.S.-based
international nonprofit organization devoted to eliminating death, injury, property, and economic loss due
to fire, electrical,and related hazards.
Net Metering:A billing arrangement that allows energy consumers with grid-connected distributed energy
resources to receive credit for any excess electricity they generate and send back to the grid.
Peak Shaving: The practice of reducing energy demand during peak hours by using stored energy or other
resources, helping to alleviate stress on the grid.
Renewable Energy: Energy generated from sustainable resources, such as solar, wind, hydro, geothermal,
and biomass,which have little to no negative impact on the environment.
Round-trip Efficiency: The efficiency of an energy storage system when accounting for both charging and
discharging processes,typically expressed as a percentage.
City of Arlington 20.114- 18 August 2024
Title 20—Land Use Code Chapter 20.114:Alternative Energy Systems and Technology
Part III. Reserved
Part N Reserved
Part V. Electric Vehicle Infrastructure
20.1 14.410 Purpose.
a. This section is to establish electric vehicle infrastructure (EVI) regulations for the City to allow
EVI and to meet the intent of RCW 35.63.126 requiring the City to allow EVI in all zones except
for residential zones.
b. This section shall meet the regulations of WAC 51-50-0429,RCW 19.27.540,and RCW 46.08.185.
c. The provisions of this section shall apply to the construction of new buildings and accessory
structures, including parking lots and parking garages. Electric vehicle supply equipment(EVSE)
shall be installed in accordance with applicable requirements of RCW 19.28 and National Electrical
Code,Article 625.
20.114.415 Authority.
Electric vehicle infrastructure is allowed as specified as in the permissible use tables of§20.40 Permissible
Uses and required for all new development citywide in accordance with the regulations of this chapter and
state regulations.
20.114.420 Definitions.
Definitions related to electric vehicles can be found in §20.08—Definitions.
20.114.425 Electric Vehicle(EV)Charging Infrastructure.
a. Buildings and accessory structures shall be provided with EV charging stations,EV-Ready parking
spaces,and EV-capable parking spaces in accordance with Table 20.114.425T,per the International
Building Code occupancy types. Calculations shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number.
Where a building contains more than one occupancy, the electric vehicle charging infrastructure
percentages of Table 20.114.425T shall be applied to the number of spaces required for each
occupancy.
b. Exceptions:
1. Except for Group A,Group E,and Group M occupancies,on-site parking with less than 10
parking spaces shall not be required to comply with this section.
2. Group A, Group E, and Group M occupancies shall comply with one of the following,
whichever is greater:
i. The provisions of this section apply only to designated employee parking spaces.
ii. One of each 200 parking spaces or fraction thereof shall be EV Ready.One of each
200 parking spaces or fraction thereof shall be an EV Charging Station
c. Table 20.114.425T:
Occupancy Number of EV Number of EV-Ready Number of EV-Capable
Charging Stations Parking Spaces Parking Spaces
Group A,B,E,F,H,1,M, 10%of total parking 10%of total parking 10%of total parking spaces
and S Occupancies spaces spaces
Group R Occupancies
Buildings that do not
contain more than two Not required One for each dwelling Not required
dwelling units. unit
Dwelling units with Not required One for each dwelling Not required
private garages unit
All Other Group R 10%of total 25%of total 10%of total parking spaces
Occupancies parking spaces parking spaces
City of Arlington 20.114- 19 August 2024
Title 20—Land Use Code Chapter 20.l 14:Alternative Energy Systems and Technology
d. EV-Charging Stations and EV-Ready parking spaces.A minimum of 40-ampere dedicated 208/240-
volt branch circuit shall be installed for each EV Ready parking space and each EV Charging
Station.The branch circuits shall terminate at a receptacle outlet or EV charger in close proximity
to the proposed location of the EV Ready parking space or the EV Charging Station.
e. EV-Capable parking spaces.A listed raceway capable of accommodating a minimum of 40-ampere
dedicated 208/240-volt branch circuit shall be installed for each EV-Capable parking space. The
raceway shall terminate into a cabinet, box or other enclosure in close proximity to the proposed
location of the EV-Capable parking space. Raceways and related components that are planned to
be installed underground, and in enclosed, inaccessible or concealed areas and spaces, shall be
installed at the time of original construction.
20.114.430 Electrical Room(s)and Equipment.
a. Electrical room(s) and/or dedicated electrical equipment shall be sized to accommodate the
requirements of§20.114.425.
b. The electrical service and the electrical system, including any on-site distribution transformer(s),
shall have sufficient capacity to simultaneously charge all EVs at all required EV Charging Stations,
EV Ready parking spaces,and EV-Capable parking spaces at a minimum of 40-amperes each.
c. Exception: Automatic Load Management System (ALMS) may be used to adjust the maximum
electrical capacity required for the EV-Ready and EV-Capable parking spaces.The ALMS must be
designed to allocate charging capacity among multiple future EV Charging Stations at a minimum
of 16 amperes per EV charger.
20.114.435 Battery Charging Station or Rapid Charging Station—Retrofitting in Existing Development
a. Required off-street parking spaces within any existing development listed within the zones listed
below may be converted to battery charging station spaces or rapid charging station spaces for
Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) or Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV), subject to the
regulations of this chapter, provided that the battery charging and/or rapid charging stations are
accessory to the permitted use(s)on the property.
1. AMC 20.36.010—Residential Districts
2. AMC 20.36.020—Commercial Districts
3. AMC 20.36.030—Manufacturing Districts
4. AMC 20.36.034—Aviation Flightline District
5. AMC 20.36.036—Medical Services District
6. AMC 20.36.040—Public/Semi-Public District
7. AMC 20.36.080—Mixed-Use Overlay District
b. At least .65 spaces shall be set aside as electric vehicles waiting spaces for each Level 3 (DCFC or
fast charging stations) public electric vehicle charging station provided on site. Waiting spaces for
Level 1 and 2 public electric vehicle charging stations shall not be required.
c. The use of any charging station on-site shall not obstruct any vehicular or pedestrian traffic on-site
(such as waiting for a charging station space within a drive-aisle or a designated pedestrian
crossing)or within a public right-of-way(ROW).
d. Battery or rapid charging station spaces shall be designated for charging electric vehicles only as
provided under§20.114.455.Non-electric vehicles or non-charging BEV's or PHEV's shall not be
allowed. The type of signage designating these spaces shall be approve by the Community and
Economic Development Director or his or her designee.
20.114.440 Electric Vehicle Charging Station Spaces—Allowed as Required Spaces.
a. Electric vehicle charging station spaces shall be allowed to be used in the computation of required
off-street parking spaces as provided under §20.114.445, provided; that the electric vehicle
charging station(s)is accessory to the primary use of the property.
b. If a publicly owned and publicly available Level 3(DCFC or fast charging stations)electric vehicle
charging station(s)is provided on-site,.65 electric vehicle waiting spaces shall also be provided for
each electric vehicle charging station. These spaces shall be in addition to the off-street parking
spaces required under§20.114.445.
City of Arlington 20.114-20 August 2024
Title 20—Land Use Code Chapter 20.114:Alternative Energy ystems and Technology
20.114.445 Off-Street Electric Vehicle Charging,Station Spaces.
a. The number of electric vehicle charging spaces shall be required per Table 20.114.425T.
b. Location and Design Criteria. The provisions of electric vehicle parking will vary based on the
design and use of the primary parking lot. The following required and additional locational and
design criteria are provided in recognition of the various parking lot layout options.
1. Si&12ne. Signage, as required under §20.114.455 for each charging station space, shall be
posted indicating the space is only for electric vehicle charging purposes. Days and hours
of operations shall be included if time limits or tow away provisions are enforced.
2. Maintenance. Chargin station equipment shall be maintained in all respects, including the
functioning of the charging equipment.A phone number or other contact information shall
be provided on the charging station equipment for reporting when the equipment is not
functioning,or other problems are encountered.
3. Accessibility. Where charging equipment is provided within an adjacent pedestrian
circulation area, such as a sidewalk or accessible route to the interfere with accessibility
requirements of WAC 51-50-005.
4. Li htin . Where charging station equipment is installed, adequate site lighting shall exist,
unless charging is for daytime purposes only.
c. Parking for electric vehicles should also consider the following:
1. Notification. Information on the charging station, identifying voltage and amperage levels
and any time of use,fees, or safety information.
2. Signage. Installation of directional signs at the parking lot for entrance and at appropriate
decision points to effectively guide motorists to the charging station space(s).
20.114.450 Accessible Electric Vehicle Charging Stations.
a. Ten percent(10%)of the accessible parking spaces,rounded to the next whole number,shall be EV
Charging Stations.An additional ten percent (10%) of the accessible parking spaces, rounded to
the next whole number,shall be EV Ready.Not fewer than one for each type of EV charging system
shall be accessible.
b. The electric vehicle charging infrastructure may also serve adjacent parking spaces not designated
as accessible parking.A maximum of ten percent(10%)of the accessible parking spaces,rounded
to the next whole number,are allowed to be included in the total number of electric vehicle parking
spaces required under§20.114.425.
1. Accessible electric vehicle charging stations should be located in close proximity to the
building or facility entrance and shall be connected to a barrier-free accessible route of
travel. It is not necessary to designate the accessible electric vehicle charging station
exclusively for the use of disabled persons.Below are two options for providing accessible
electric vehicle charging stations.
c. Data Collection. To allow for maintenance and notification, owners of any private new electric
vehicle infrastructure station that will be publicly available (see definition — electric vehicle
charging station public), shall provide information on the station's information. This information
shall be submitted to the Community Development Department.
City of Arlington 20.114-21 August 2024
Title 20—Land Use Code Chapter 20.114:Alternative Energy Systems and Technology
d. Table 20.114.450T
Off-Street Accessible Electric Vehicle Charging Station—Option 1
wheelslops
Designated I I
Accessible Space I I
wM1h 60'ar96" Regular I Regular I Regular Striping of barrier 6ea
accessible aisle Parking to
Parking route not required
Space I Space I Space 11 I. I
1 ® I I
Eld
Accessible EV Charging Station 1, �1 1 II
•Includes charging equipment,signage. v` u
and barrier free routes to charging I 1 5,gmg�
equipment and the building.
•The barrier free area adjacent to the =1-:3
Accessible EV Station shall be striped andbe a minimum of 44"wide.
I
Photo—Puget Sound area parking garage
Regular I EV Charging Station Parking (Source:ECOtality North America)
I
•Charging equipment and signage Space I I
Off-Street Accessible Electric Vehicle Charging Station—Option 2
Signage
Guidance 1�'Y'lerrloJ4
Designated
Access,ble Space
with H.or 96' Regular Regular r! r
accessible aisle / �I ey 1 Parking 1 Parking
1 Space 1 Space
Y 1 1
Regular I -
Pa king
Accessible EV Charging Station Space
r
•Includes charging equipment,signage,
r a.
and barrier free routes charging Regular t
equipment and the building. Parking
I
•The barrier free area adjacent to the Space
Designated Accessible Space shall be
striped and be 60"or 96'wide.
� `t ,•j °'� Photo—Fashion island Shopping Mall,
EV 1 PW
I , Newport Beach,CA(Source: Light Moves)
EV Charging Station
•Charging equipment and signage — --- —
20.114.455 Electric Vehicle Charging Station Spaces—Signage.
a. Publicly available electric vehicle supply equipment must be indicated by vertical signage
identifying the station as publicly available electric vehicle supply equipment and indicating that it
is only for electric vehicle charging. The signage must be consistent with the manual on uniform
traffic control devices, as adopted by the department of transportation under RCW 47.36.030, and
contain the information required in RCW 19.94.560. Supplementary signage may be posted to
provide additional information including, but not limited to, the amount of the monetary penalty
under subsection (b) of this section for parking in the station while not connected to the charging
equipment.
b. It is a parking infraction, with a monetary penalty of one hundred twenty-four dollars, for any
person to park a vehicle in a parking space served by publicly available electric vehicle supply
equipment if the vehicle is not connected to the charging equipment. The parking infraction must
be processed as prescribed under RCW 3.50.100,35.20.220,46.16A.120, and 46.20.270(2).
City of Arlington 20.114-22 August 2024
Title 20—Land Use Code Chapter 20.114:Alternative Energy vstems and Technology
c. For purposes of this section, "publicly available electric vehicles supply equipment"has the same
meaning as provided in RCW 19.94.010 and described in RCW 19.94.550 and 19.94.555.
d. Off-street public electric vehicle charging station spaces shall provide the following signage in
Table 20.114.455T:
ELECTRIC
VEHICLE 12" x 12"
Directional—Off-Street Parking CHARGING
Lot or Parking Garage STATION
6" x 12"
Note:The directional sign for an on-site parking lot or parking garage should be used in the parking facility with a
directional arrow at all decision points.
ELECTRI
VEHICLE 12" x 12"
STATIONCHARGING
Off-Street EV Parking—Parking 12" x 18"
Space with Charging Station EXCEPT FOR
Equipment ELECTRIC
VEHICLE
CHARGING
FHOUR
RGING 12"x 18"
7AM To 6pM
Note:Combination sign identifying space as an electric vehicle charging station,prohibiting non-electric vehicles,
with charging time limits.The use of time limits is optional.The blue/white and rediblack signs define that only an
electric vehicle that is charging can use the spaces.The green sign defines time limits for how long an electric
vehicle can be in the space during the specified hours.Outside of the specified hours,electric vehicles can charge for
an indefinite period of time.
City of Arlington 20.114-23 August 2024
Title 20—Land Use Code Chapter 20.114:Alternative Energy Systems and Technology
20.114.460 Charging Station Location Options and Charge Connector Example Diagrams.
a.Table 20.114.460T
1 Station Location
3 EV Charging Ports
tit
lot
4 Connectors
OptionsEV Charging
Location Level Leve12 DCFC
adds 2 to 5 milesihour adds 10 to 30 miles/hour adds 100 to 200+miles in 30
minutes
ome Portable cordset or hardwired unit 240 V portable or hatch-fired NIA
Requires:120 V outlet Requires:240 V outlet or available service
Work Portable cordset or hardwired unit 240 V hardwired NIA
Requires:Available 120 V outlet Requires:208 V or 240 V available service
Public Some 120 V outlets are available Available nationwide in areas-where vehicles Available in large population
and designated for public use congregate(shopping centers airports public centers and along major high::..,
buildings etc)
ChargingLevel I
•
rr rr
rr r . r r Level 2 Charging ppr
r• .;
1 range per Pr
hour of charging*
of r r
minutes at chargingt
es
•0• 00
0 O O 0:0 000
11772 connector J3400(NAGS) CCS CHAdeMO J3400
connector connector
J1772 connector connector nnect
coonnector
City of Arlington 20.114-24 August 2024
CERTIFICATION OF ORDINANCE
1, Wendy Van Der Meersche, being the duly appointed City Clerk of the City of Arlington,
Washington, a municipal corporation, do hereby certify that the following Ordinance No.
2024-021 was approved at the July 29, 2024 City Council meeting.
ORDINANCE NO. 2024-021
"AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ARLINGTON,WASHINGTON ADDING
NEW CHAPTER 20.114 OF THE ARLINGTON MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGY UNDER
CITY PLANNING NO. PLN 1181"
A true and correct copy of the original ordinance is attached.
Dated this 29th day of July, 2024
Wendy Va Der Meersche
City Clerk for the City of Arlington