The permitting process for electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) varies significantly across authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs), who regulate localities spanning urban to rural spaces. This variance, which manifests in multiple components of the process including the steps to obtain a permit, the code requirements, and the type of permit or reviews required (i.e., electrical, building, zoning), can lead to uncertainty surrounding EVSE project requirements and time delays in both the development and review of project plans. Ultimately, these delays add time and cost to the projects and are a commonly noted barrier to successful EVSE installation (Gilliand and Graff 2023; Nelder and Rogers 2019; O’Grady and Way 2019).

The Stations Tool for Automated Permitting (S-TAP) is a spreadsheet-based tool designed to validate nonresidential EVSE projects against code requirements and reduce the time required for AHJs (i.e., the permitting authority) to issue the permit. The tool consists of a questionnaire that evaluates project inputs based on widely adopted model codes (National Electric Code and International Building Code) and select local regulations, through a series of validation logic. The consistent evaluation of project specifications based on set model codes standards within the tool, with some elements that are designed for AHJ-specific inputs, provides the effect of streamlining the codes that define the EVSE project design and installation. The goal of the tool is to reduce the time required during the permitting process for the AHJ staff to review the plan and evaluate the EVSE project for code compliance, specifically for high-frequency and low complexity projects, thereby allowing AHJ staff to focus time and attention on higher complexity projects.

This user manual provides an overview of S-TAP, including the methodology leveraged to develop the tool, technical guidance on how to use the tool, and the purpose or use case for this tool with different audiences.

Resource Types: Guide/Manual
Capabilities: Data & Information Systems, Tools & Technology
Management Processes: Performance Based Planning & Programming, Strategic Direction