CAI-NJ Sept. 2019update

“The bill states that CICs who violate its provisions must pay a $1,000 fine and any legal fees incurred by the owner.”

EV CHARGING... from page 30.

favors bills that promote green energy and the installation of Charging Stations in CICs, the bill being considered by New Jersey lawmakers is objection- able for the following primary reasons: 1. It mandates that CICs permit owners to install charging stations in assigned spaces. While the bill requires owners to pay for the cost of the installation and the electricity used, it does not grant CICs the right to deny an application if there are substantial reasons for doing so, such as those related to the load capacity. 2. It mandates that -if the installation of a charging station in an assigned spot is impossible or too expensive, the CIC must license a common element space to the owner to install the charging station and park the electric vehicle. This is violative of the rights of other owners and may involve the loss of limited and valuable common parking, handicapped parking, or guest parking. Furthermore, in communities where there is limited available parking,

it may result in unfair results slant-

ed in favor of those who can afford to pur- chase EVs.

3. The bill states that CICs who violate its provisions must pay a $1,000 fine and any legal fees incurred by the owner. This may make it exceedingly risky for a CIC to deny a proposed installation even when good reasons for such a denial exist. The LAC has raised these concerns with the bill’s sponsors and has been working closely with the builder’s group and the charging station group to reach compromise language that will protect the legitimate interests of community associ- ations while furthering the public policy favoring EVs. On June 20, 2019, when it seemed that the bill

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