ASSEMBLY TRANSPORTATION AND INDEPENDENT AUTHORITIES COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 4530

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  MARCH 16, 2026

      The Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 4530.

      As reported, this bill amends current law with the intent to streamline and clarify the approval process for the installation of electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) and Make-Ready parking spaces at existing gasoline service stations, retail establishments, and other existing buildings while preserving appropriate public health and safety protections and maintaining applicable inspection requirements.

      The bill provides that qualifying applications for the installation of EVSE are to be approved administratively through issuance of a non-discretionary permit in a ministerial permitting process.  However, the proposed installation is to comply with the “State Uniform Construction Code Act,” applicable safety standards adopted by State law, rule, or regulation, and any other law, rule, or regulation concerning EVSE.

      The bill removes certain approval requirements from existing law, including requirements related to bulk zoning standards and prior site plan conditions that are unrelated to public health or safety.

      The bill expressly maintains all applicable local and Department of Community Affairs inspection requirements to ensure continued compliance with construction, fire, and safety standards.

      The bill provides that an application for the installation of EVSE or Make-Ready parking spaces that does not qualify for approval under the bill is not to be required to obtain variance relief, provided that the application is otherwise eligible for administrative approval, complies with the “State Uniform Construction Code Act,” and applicable safety standards adopted by State law, rule, or regulation.  These applications are to be reviewed administratively and are not to be subject to site plan or other land use board review.

      The bill further provides that local review of development applications is limited to specific, identifiable public health or safety impacts supported by substantial evidence in the record, consistent with the limited, administrative nature of the approval process.

      Finally, the bill provides that EVSE infrastructure that encroaches upon required setbacks established by a local government entity is not to constitute an adverse impact upon public health or safety.  The bill preserves essential safety oversight by clarifying that EVSE is not to obstruct required sight triangles, fire lanes, or emergency access, as determined in accordance with applicable safety standards adopted by State law, rule, or regulation.