[MassHistPres] EV charging stations

[Randall, Lindsay]

Nancy,



If a property owner wants to include EV Charing in new construction, there are no exemptions for Local Historic Districts. The state climate bill (https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/S2967) clearly states on page 97:

A historic district commission, commission or board of a neighborhood conservation district or manager or organization of unit owners of an association shall not prohibit or unreasonably restrict an owner from installing electric vehicle supply equipment



In this section of the law, a “historic district” means any district created under MGL 40C or by Special Act.



Local commissions may set reasonable design or siting conditions, but they must prioritize climate obligations. As noted on page 98:

Nothing in this section shall prohibit a historic district commission, a commission or board of a neighborhood conservation district or a manager or organization of unit owners of an association from setting reasonable restrictions; provided, however, that in setting such restrictions, the commission, board, manager or organization shall give substantial weight to threats posed by climate change and the commonwealth’s obligation to meet the statewide greenhouse gas emission limits and sublimits established under chapter 21N.



So, an LHDC cannot block EV Charging from being installed or make it reasonably difficult to meet the standards for permitting its installation, however, you can work with the property owner to come up with a design/screening that would work best for your historic district.

However, if your question is about a property owner who doesn’t want to include EV Charging (The “Right to Charge” law) that is a different issue.



When in doubt – always talk to Town Council as they can help you navigate how to align your commission with the new state laws (climate, ADU, etc.) and help you navigate the issue with property owners who come before you.



Cheers,



Lindsay Randall

Senior Regional Humanities Specialist

Metropolitan Area Planning Council





-----Original Message-----
From: MassHistPres <masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu> On Behalf Of Nancy Robbins via MassHistPres
Sent: Tuesday, October 28, 2025 11:15 PM
To: MassHistPres at cs.umb.edu
Subject: [MassHistPres] EV charging stations



Greetings,



New construction- what is the current requirements for providing charging stations on the property that is within a LHD?  Retail shops (2) on ground floor and condos above. Any exemptions?



Thank you

Nancy

Nancy Robbins Federici

Co-chair, Norton Center Historic District Commission C. (508) 958-5165



We hire smart people not to tell them what to do but for them to tell us.

                                 Steve Jobs













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