REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL FROM: JENNIFER K. CLARK, AICP, Director Planning and Development Department BY: ASHLEY ATKINSON, AICP, Assistant Director Planning and Development Department SUBJECT ..Title BILL - (for Introduction) Amending Section 11-113 of the Fresno Municipal Code, relating to Electric Vehicle Charging and Hydrogen Fueling Station review process (Citywide) ..Body RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council amend Code Section 11-113 of the Fresno Municipal Code (FMC) to add an administrative permitting process for hydrogen fueling stations, as required by State law. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The proposed amendment to FMC Section 11-113 expands the City's existing administrative permitting process for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations to include Hydrogen-Fueling Stations, as defined. By amending the code, the City complies with State law (SB 1418) and strengthens its ability to support zero-emission transportation; attract public and private investment in hydrogen infrastructure, and improve regional air quality. BACKGROUND FMC Section 11-113 currently provides an administrative permitting process for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations. The FMC does not currently address hydrogen-fueling stations. On September 25, 2024, the State enacted SB 1418, which mandates that cities and counties adopt a streamlined administrative permitting process for hydrogen-fueling stations aligned with the process already required for electric vehicle charging stations. The legislation directs local jurisdictions to administratively permit hydrogen-fueling stations on parcels zoned for commercial or industrial use that do not contain any residential units, and on sites previously developed as service stations. Such stations would also be required to comply with applicable building, electrical, fire, mechanical, energy, and accessibility requirements, as well as regulations adopted by the California Air Resources Board and the California Energy Commission. To comply with SB 1418 and ensure consistency with State requirements, the City must amend FMC Section 11-113 to apply its established administrative permitting procedures to hydrogen-fueling stations. ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS This is not a project for the purposes of the California Environmental Quality Act. LOCAL PREFERENCE Local preference was not considered because this is not a competitive bid. FISCAL IMPACT The proposed amendment to Section 11-113 is not expected to create any new fiscal impacts. Attachment: Ordinance Amending Section 11-113 of the FMC