Frederick County Maryland is considering legislation that purports to restrict parking at electric vehicle charging stations. Sounds great, doesn’t it?
But what will this “anti-ICEing” ordinance actually do for EV drivers if it passes? Let’s examine the details.
Will the “Anti-ICEing” ordinance apply at the Frederick, MD Tesla Superchargers?
No.
The ordinance requires official signs that conform to the “Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices”. Tesla uses signs branded with their logo that don’t meet the MUTCD standards. Also, six of the ten stalls have “General Parking” signs that allow anyone, even ICE drivers, to park for up to 30 minutes in the charging spaces.
Will it apply at the Electrify America Chargers at Walmart in Frederick?
No.
The EA chargers at Walmart have official MUTCD signs but they are on private property. The Frederick County ordinance will not apply on private property.
Will it apply at the Potomac Edison charging stations at New Market Town Hall?
No.
Those charging stations have official signs and are on public property but the ordinance applies only to plug-in vehicle parking spaces on County owned property. These are on Town of New Market property and not subject to the County ordinance.
Will it apply at the MOM’s Organic Market in Frederick?
No.
MOM’s does not have official signs posted and they are located on private property.
If ICEing can’t be enforced where most EV drivers charge, then where will it apply?
The statute will apply “only to plug-in vehicle parking spaces on County roads or County owned property”.
There are only three two County owned properties with EV charging stations according to Fredrick County DPW. They are Winchester Hall (pictured above), the Courthouse and a place called the Bourne Building. [UPDATE: the “Bourne Building” is the Parks and Recreation facility at 355 Montevue Ln. There are only plans right now, no charging stations there yet.]
Isn’t there already an ordinance to control parking on County property?
Yes.
Frederick County Code Section 1-15-20 Parking on County Property. “In the parking area adjacent to Winchester Hall, and on all county property, parking shall be restricted to those who are authorized by the county to park thereon.”
Can’t private property owners already tow unauthorized vehicles?
Yes.
In Maryland Subtitle 10A of the Transportation Article governs how a vehicle may be removed from a privately owned parking facility.
Can I voice my opinion on this bill before it’s voted on?
Yes.
This legislation is scheduled for a virtual public hearing on Tuesday, November 09, 2021 at 7:00 PM. The public can call in or send an email to the Council.
