Cook County Condo Owners Face New EV Charging Opportunities as Illinois Law Transforms Multi-Unit Residential Charging Solutions

The landscape of electric vehicle charging in Cook County condominiums is undergoing a dramatic transformation following the implementation of Illinois’ Electric Vehicle Charging Act, which took effect on January 1, 2024. This groundbreaking legislation is reshaping how condo associations handle EV charging requests and creating new opportunities for residents to install charging solutions in their parking spaces.

Understanding the Illinois Electric Vehicle Charging Act

The Illinois Electric Vehicle Charging Act, which took effect on January 1, 2024, requires that new and existing condominium associations with parking spaces comply with specific sections of the Act. While the Act initially applied only to newly constructed buildings, it was amended in December 2023 to expand applicability to all Illinois condominium associations.

The Act gives unit owners and residents of certain Illinois condominiums and community associations the right to install charging equipment for EVs for their designated parking spaces. This represents a significant shift from previous regulations where condo boards could more easily deny such requests.

Key Requirements for Condo Associations

Under the new law, condo associations must process EV charging applications under specific guidelines. The requesting unit owner must obtain prior written approval of the board, which approval must be granted if the unit owner agrees in writing to certain terms, and board approval is deemed granted if the board does not issue a written denial within 60 days.

The installation requirements include several important provisions:

• The requesting unit owner must engage a duly licensed and insured electrical contractor to install the EV charging system
• The unit owner must maintain certain liability insurance coverage and provide a certificate of insurance naming the association as an additional insured party
• Installation must comply with the association’s architectural standards and applicable State and local health and safety standards
• All costs associated with the installation are the unit owner’s responsibility

Financial and Technical Considerations

One of the most significant challenges facing condo associations is managing the electrical infrastructure demands of multiple EV charging installations. Modern solutions using “meter tap” methodology can keep each installation exclusive to its respective unit, ensuring no financial encumbrances on the Condo Board, and associations don’t need to install additional circuits which can save between $10,000 and $25,000 in upfront installation costs.

A more pragmatic strategy for larger communities is to install a select number of chargers within the confines of the building’s existing electrical capacity, with modern chargers capable of regulating charging based on real-time demand.

Professional Installation Requirements

The complexity of EV charging installations in multi-unit buildings requires professional expertise to ensure compliance with both the Illinois Electric Vehicle Charging Act and local electrical codes. Condo boards and HOAs generally insist on the chosen service provider being state-certified, adequately insured, and committed to delivering professional, fully-permitted installations.

For Cook County residents seeking professional EV Charger Installation Cook County, IL services, working with experienced electrical contractors who understand both the technical requirements and the legal framework is essential for successful project completion.

Impact on Property Values and Resident Satisfaction

When looking for a home, a homebuyer will sooner choose an HOA community that easily accommodates their electric vehicle over one that does not. This market reality is driving many condo associations to proactively develop EV charging policies rather than waiting for individual requests.

While some residents may have access to personal garages or parking spaces with existing electrical outlets, most condo EV charging setups require approval from the homeowners association, along with infrastructure upgrades to support safe, reliable charging.

Enforcement and Penalties

The Illinois Electric Vehicle Charging Act includes specific enforcement provisions to ensure compliance. Associations that willfully violate the Act are liable to the unit owner for actual damages as well as a civil penalty not to exceed $500, and the Act includes a one-sided attorneys’ fees provision in favor of unit owners.

Any provision of the governing documents that “effectively prohibits or unreasonably restricts the installation or use of an electric vehicle charging system” in a parking unit or limited common element parking space is void.

Looking Ahead

As electric vehicle adoption continues to accelerate, Cook County condo associations must adapt their policies and infrastructure to meet growing demand. The Illinois Electric Vehicle Charging Act provides a framework that balances resident rights with association governance, but successful implementation requires careful planning, professional installation, and clear communication between all parties.

Condo boards should work with qualified electrical contractors and legal advisors to develop comprehensive EV charging policies that comply with state law while protecting the association’s interests. By embracing these changes proactively, associations can enhance property values while providing residents with the modern amenities they increasingly expect.