C.R.S. Section 38-33.3-106.8
Unreasonable restrictions on electric vehicle charging systems and electric vehicle parking

  • legislative declaration
  • definitions

(1)

The general assembly finds, determines, and declares that:

(a)

The widespread use of plug-in electric vehicles can dramatically improve energy efficiency and air quality for all Coloradans and should be encouraged wherever possible;

(b)

Most homes in Colorado, including the vast majority of new homes, are in common interest communities;

(c)

The primary purpose of this section is to ensure that common interest communities provide their residents with at least a meaningful opportunity to take advantage of the availability of plug-in electric vehicles rather than create artificial restrictions on the adoption of this promising technology; and

(d)

The general assembly encourages common interest communities not only to allow electric vehicle charging stations and the parking of electric vehicles in accordance with this section, but also to apply for grants from the electric vehicle grant fund created in section 24-38.5-103 or otherwise fund the installation of charging stations on common property as an amenity for residents and guests.

(2)

Notwithstanding any provision in the declaration, bylaws, or rules and regulations of the association to the contrary, and except as provided in subsection (3) or (3.5) of this section, an association shall not:

(a)

Prohibit a unit owner from using, or installing at the unit owner’s expense for the unit owner’s own use, a level 1 or level 2 electric vehicle charging system on or in:

(I)

A unit;

(II)

An assigned or deeded parking space that is part of or assigned to a unit; or

(III)

A parking space that is accessible to both the unit owner and other unit owners;

(b)

Assess or charge a unit owner any fee for the placement or use of an electric vehicle charging system on or in the unit owner’s unit; except that the association may require reimbursement for the actual cost of electricity provided by the association that was used by the charging system or, alternatively, may charge a reasonable fee for access. If the charging system is part of a network for which a network fee is charged, the association’s reimbursement may include the amount of the network fee. Nothing in this section requires an association to impose upon a unit owner any fee or charge other than the regular assessments specified in the declaration, bylaws, or rules and regulations of the association.

(c)

Restrict parking based on a vehicle being a plug-in hybrid vehicle or plug-in electric vehicle.

(3)

Subsection (2) of this section does not apply to:

(a)

Bona fide safety requirements, consistent with an applicable building code or recognized safety standard, for the protection of persons and property;

(b)

A requirement that the charging system be registered with the association within thirty days after installation; or

(c)

Reasonable aesthetic provisions that govern the dimensions, placement, or external appearance of an electric vehicle charging system.

(3.5)

This section does not apply to a unit, or the owner thereof, if the unit is a time share unit, as defined in section 38-33-110 (7).

(4)

An association shall consent to a unit owner’s placement and use of an electric vehicle charging system on a limited common element parking space, carport, or garage owned by the unit owner or otherwise assigned to the owner in the declaration or other recorded document if:

(a)

Notwithstanding any existing ban on electric vehicle charging systems, the system otherwise complies with the declaration, bylaws, and rules and regulations of the association; and

(b)

The unit owner agrees in writing to:

(I)

Comply with the association’s design specifications for the installation of the system;

(II)

Engage the services of a duly licensed and registered electrical contractor familiar with the installation and code requirements of an electric vehicle charging system;

(III)

Bear the expense of installation, including costs to restore any common elements disturbed in the process of installing the system; and

(IV)

Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(A)

Provide, within the time specified in sub-subparagraph (B) of this subparagraph (IV), a certificate of insurance naming the association as an additional insured on the homeowner’s insurance policy for any claim related to the installation, maintenance, or use of the system or, if the system is located on a common element, reimbursement to the association for the actual cost of any increased insurance premium amount attributable to the system, notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in the association’s declaration, bylaws, or rules and regulations.

(B)

A certificate of insurance under sub-subparagraph (A) of this subparagraph (IV) must be provided within fourteen days after the unit owner receives the association’s consent for the installation. Reimbursement for an increased insurance premium amount under sub-subparagraph (A) of this subparagraph (IV) must be provided within fourteen days after the unit owner receives the association’s invoice for the amount attributable to the system.

(5)

If the association consents to a unit owner’s installation of an electric vehicle charging system on a limited common element, including a parking space, carport, or garage stall, then, unless otherwise specified in a written contract or in the declaration, bylaws, or rules and regulations of the association:

(a)

The unit owner, and each successive unit owner with exclusive rights to the limited common element where the charging system is installed, is responsible for any costs for damages to the system, any other limited common element or general common element of the common interest community, and any adjacent units, garage stalls, carports, or parking spaces that arise or result from the installation, maintenance, repair, removal, or replacement of the system;

(b)

Each successive unit owner with exclusive rights to the limited common element shall assume responsibility for the repair, maintenance, removal, and replacement of the charging system until the system has been removed;

(c)

The unit owner and each successive unit owner with exclusive rights to the limited common element shall at all times have and maintain an insurance policy covering the obligations of the unit owner under this subsection (5), is subject to all obligations specified under subparagraph (IV) of paragraph (b) of subsection (4) of this section, and shall name the association as an additional insured under the policy; and

(d)

The unit owner and each successive unit owner with exclusive rights to the limited common element is responsible for removing the system if reasonably necessary or convenient for the repair, maintenance, or replacement of the limited common elements or general common elements of the common interest community.

(6)

A charging system installed at the unit owner’s cost is property of the unit owner. Upon sale of the unit, if the charging system is removable, the unit owner may either remove it or sell it to the buyer of the unit or to the association for an agreed price. Nothing in this subsection (6) requires the buyer or the association to purchase the charging system.

(7)

As used in this section:

(a)

“Electric vehicle charging system” or “charging system” means a device that is used to provide electricity to a plug-in electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid vehicle, is designed to ensure that a safe connection has been made between the electric grid and the vehicle, and is able to communicate with the vehicle’s control system so that electricity flows at an appropriate voltage and current level. An electric vehicle charging system may be wall-mounted or pedestal style and may provide multiple cords to connect with electric vehicles. An electric vehicle charging system must be certified by underwriters laboratories or an equivalent certification and must comply with the current version of article 625 of the national electrical code.

(b)

“Level 1” means a charging system that provides charging through a one-hundred-twenty volt AC plug with a cord connector that meets the SAE international J1772 standard or a successor standard.

(c)

“Level 2” means a charging system that provides charging through a two-hundred-eight to two-hundred-forty volt AC plug with a cord connector that meets the SAE international J1772 standard or a successor standard.

(8)

This section applies only to residential units.

Source: Section 38-33.3-106.8 — Unreasonable restrictions on electric vehicle charging systems and electric vehicle parking - legislative declaration - definitions, https://leg.­colorado.­gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2023-title-38.­pdf (accessed Oct. 20, 2023).

38‑33.3‑101
Short title 38‑33.3‑102
Legislative declaration 38‑33.3‑103
Definitions 38‑33.3‑104
Variation by agreement 38‑33.3‑105
Separate titles and taxation 38‑33.3‑106
Applicability of local ordinances, regulations, and building codes 38‑33.3‑106.5
Prohibitions contrary to public policy - patriotic, political, or religious expression - public rights-of-way - fire prevention - renewable energy generation devices - affordable housing - drought prevention measures - child care - definitions 38‑33.3‑106.7
Unreasonable restrictions on energy efficiency measures - definitions 38‑33.3‑106.8
Unreasonable restrictions on electric vehicle charging systems and electric vehicle parking - legislative declaration - definitions 38‑33.3‑107
Eminent domain 38‑33.3‑108
Supplemental general principles of law applicable 38‑33.3‑109
Construction against implicit repeal 38‑33.3‑110
Uniformity of application and construction 38‑33.3‑111
Severability 38‑33.3‑112
Unconscionable agreement or term of contract 38‑33.3‑113
Obligation of good faith 38‑33.3‑114
Remedies to be liberally administered 38‑33.3‑115
Applicability to new common interest communities 38‑33.3‑116
Exception for new small cooperatives and small and limited expense planned communities 38‑33.3‑116.3
Large planned communities - exemption from certain requirements 38‑33.3‑117
Applicability to preexisting common interest communities 38‑33.3‑118
Procedure to elect treatment under the “Colorado Common Interest Ownership Act” 38‑33.3‑119
Exception for small preexisting cooperatives and planned communities 38‑33.3‑120
Amendments to preexisting governing instruments 38‑33.3‑120.5
Extension of declaration term 38‑33.3‑121
Applicability to nonresidential planned communities 38‑33.3‑122
Applicability to out-of-state common interest communities 38‑33.3‑123
Enforcement - limitation 38‑33.3‑124
Legislative declaration - alternative dispute resolution encouraged - policy statement required 38‑33.3‑201
Creation of common interest communities 38‑33.3‑202
Unit boundaries 38‑33.3‑203
Construction and validity of declaration and bylaws 38‑33.3‑204
Description of units 38‑33.3‑205
Contents of declaration 38‑33.3‑206
Leasehold common interest communities 38‑33.3‑207
Allocation of allocated interests 38‑33.3‑208
Limited common elements 38‑33.3‑209
Plats and maps 38‑33.3‑209.4
Public disclosures required - identity of association - agent - manager - contact information 38‑33.3‑209.5
Responsible governance policies - due process for imposition of fines - procedure for collection of delinquent accounts - enforcement through small claims court - definitions 38‑33.3‑209.6
Executive board member education 38‑33.3‑209.7
Owner education 38‑33.3‑210
Exercise of development rights 38‑33.3‑211
Alterations of units 38‑33.3‑212
Relocation of boundaries between adjoining units 38‑33.3‑213
Subdivision of units 38‑33.3‑214
Easement for encroachments 38‑33.3‑215
Use for sales purposes 38‑33.3‑216
Easement rights 38‑33.3‑217
Amendment of declaration 38‑33.3‑218
Termination of common interest community 38‑33.3‑219
Rights of secured lenders 38‑33.3‑220
Master associations 38‑33.3‑221
Merger or consolidation of common interest communities 38‑33.3‑221.5
Withdrawal from merged common interest community 38‑33.3‑222
Addition of unspecified real estate 38‑33.3‑301
Organization of unit owners’ association 38‑33.3‑302
Powers of unit owners’ association 38‑33.3‑302.5
Unit owners’ access to common elements - duties of association - unreasonable restrictions and prohibitions prohibited - notice of restriction or prohibition required 38‑33.3‑303
Executive board members and officers - powers and duties - reserve funds - reserve study - audit 38‑33.3‑303.5
Construction defect actions - disclosure - approval by unit owners - definitions - exemptions 38‑33.3‑304
Transfer of special declarant rights 38‑33.3‑305
Termination of contracts and leases of declarant 38‑33.3‑306
Bylaws 38‑33.3‑307
Upkeep of the common interest community 38‑33.3‑308
Meetings 38‑33.3‑309
Quorums 38‑33.3‑310
Voting - proxies 38‑33.3‑310.5
Executive board - conflicts of interest - definitions 38‑33.3‑311
Tort and contract liability 38‑33.3‑312
Conveyance or encumbrance of common elements 38‑33.3‑313
Insurance 38‑33.3‑314
Surplus funds 38‑33.3‑315
Assessments for common expenses 38‑33.3‑316
Lien for assessments - liens for fines, fees, charges, costs, and attorney fees - limitations 38‑33.3‑316.3
Collections - limitations - violations 38‑33.3‑316.5
Time share estate - foreclosure - definitions 38‑33.3‑317
Association records - rules - applicability 38‑33.3‑318
Association as trustee 38‑33.3‑319
Other applicable statutes 38‑33.3‑401
Registration - annual fees
Green check means up to date. Up to date

Current through Fall 2024

§ 38-33.3-106.8’s source at colorado​.gov