Several measures have been included in the CALGreen code to encourage the use of Clean Air Vehicles. Allocation of parking spaces reserved for such vehicles is one of them. This is a mandatory measure for all new construction and addition/alteration projects that are adding parking spaces. Code language is as follows.
CALGreen Code Section 5.106.5.2: Designated parking for clean air vehicles.
In new projects or additions or alterations that add 10 or more vehicular parking spaces, provide designated parking for any combination of low-emitting, fuel-efficient and carpool/van pool vehicles as follows:
CALGreen Code Section 5.106.5.2.1: Parking stall marking.
Paint, in the paint used for stall striping, the following characters such that the lower edge of the last word aligns with the end of the stall striping and is visible beneath a parked vehicle:
CLEAN AIR / VANPOOL / EV
Note: Vehicles bearing Clean Air Vehicle stickers from expired HOV lane programs may be considered eligible for designated parking spaces.
Intent:
The intent of these requirements is to enhance the appeal of driving clean air vehicles in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This code ensures that newly constructed projects or additions and alterations provide designated parking for clean air vehicles (e.g., low-emitting, fuel-efficient and carpool/vanpool vehicles).
Compliance Method:
Design team: The construction documents and/or site plan should indicate the location and required number of designated parking stalls. These parking spaces should be marked “CLEAN AIR/VANPOOL/EV.” The markings should be visible when a clean air vehicle is parked. In other words, if the front of the vehicle goes into the parking stall first, the markings should be visible at the back end of the vehicle. Lettering should be at least 8 inches high. The CLEAN AIR/VANPOOL/EV parking stalls may be located anywhere on the site and do not require a preferential location.
However, take into consideration the location of stalls that are designated for future EV stalls because once charging units are installed the charging spaces will need to comply with Chapter 11B accessibility requirements.
Suggestion:
The plans should reflect the total number of required motor vehicle parking spaces. Refer to Table 5.106.5.2 in CALGreen to ensure that the correct number of designated parking stalls is provided. Include all parking spaces in the calculation. As approved by the enforcing agency, some compact stalls may also be marked for clean air vehicles.
Examples:
1. If a parking lot contains 55 total parking spaces: Based on Table 5.106.5.2., provide six clean air vehicle spaces, with required stall markings, which fall within the range.
2. If a parking lot contains 240 total parking spaces: Based on Table 5.106.5.2, calculate 240 X 8 percent = 19.2. Provide 20 clean air vehicle spaces with required stall markings.
Enforcement:
Plan intake: The plan reviewer should review the plans and confirm that the correct number of “CLEAN AIR/VANPOOL/EV” parking stalls is included on the drawings.
On-site enforcement: The inspector should verify that the correct number of clean air vehicle parking stalls have been installed and are accurately identified.
(Excerpted from ‘Guide to the 2019 California Green Building Standards Code Nonresidential’ – Chapter 5)
