What You Need To Know

Electric Vehicle Information

The Village of Rockton is committed to advancing Electric Vehicle (EV) infrastructure to benefit both residents and businesses. The Village has taken significant steps to streamline the installation process and reduce barriers to EV charging station installation for both residential and commercial applications.

Rockton EV Readiness

The Village of Rockton is preparing for the expected increase in electric vehicles (EVs) and EV charging stations (EVCS) by participating in the Interstate Renewable Energy Council’s (IREC) Charging Smart Program and working towards achieving bronze designation. We are reducing barriers to EV infrastructure investment and making it easier for residents and businesses to install EV charging stations. As part of this process the Village of Rockton will be pulling together information from many sources to help you learn about EVs and EV charging stations, decide if they are right for you, and make the permitting and installation process easier by updating the permit process and zoning codes.

Our community’s EV readiness commitment and goals can be found in our EV Readiness Letter of Commitment.

These updates will work to improve access to cleaner transportation options, improve the region’s environmental resilience and create healthier futures for our residents.

EV Charger Permitting, Installation and Inspection Process

EV Permitting Process

The Village requires a Zoning Permit and Winnebago County requires a Building Permit for the installation of EV Chargers for both residential and commercial applications in the Village. The Village does not require a Zoning Permit for an installation inside a residential garage.  Standard permitting fees apply.  

EV Charger Installation

The Village recommends employing a Licensed Electrician to install all materials, devices, fittings, and equipment for the EVCS and all associated work shall be installed in strict accordance with all of the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

Inspection Process

Winnebago County will handle all equipment installation inspections of the EVCS.

Once the work has been completed, the applicant or contractor should call the Village Community Development Department for a final inspection. Village final inspection will confirm the charging station(s) is installed in the location described in the Zoning Permit.

For EV Owners

  • Register your EV with Rock Energy Cooperative or ComEd to help the utility provider assess your electric service needs.
  • The Village recommends using an electrician who is registered with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC).

Parking Regulations at EV Charging Stations

A person may park only an electric vehicle in a designated electric vehicle charging station space. Unauthorized use of EV-only parking by non-EVs at both public and private properties is prohibited.

Illinois Vehicle Code (ILCS 625 ILCS 5/11-1308)

Rebates and Incentives

Contact Rock Energy Cooperative and ComEd for the latest rebates and incentives offered.

Here are more details about charging levels and their definition and how to apply for a Zoning Permit:

LEVEL DEFINITIONS

(Levels of electrical current are called VAC or “Volts Alternating Current.”):

Level 1 - 120 VAC – Residential properties only. Level 1 refers to using a standard house outlet to charge an EV.

Level 2 - 240 VAC – This voltage is the type that supports ovens and other large appliances.

Level 3 - 480 VAC – Also called DC Fast Chargers, these chargers use a 480 volt circuit to provide direct current (DC) electricity to the battery.
EV Residential Installation

Installations within a garage of a residential structure are not required to get a Zoning Permit from the Village of Rockton.  However, a building permit is required by Winnebago County Building Division.

Installations outside a residential structure require a Zoning Permit approval through the Village of Rockton Community Development Department as well as a building permit from Winnebago County.  Cost for a Village Zoning Permit is $20.00.  Fill it out in its entirety.  Check the “Other” box and list “EVCS”.

To apply for a building permit from Winnebago County go to their website and download the building permit application and fill it out.  Follow the current IRC or ICC code. 

You will need to include with both applications:

1.      The Project Description

2.      **A one-line electrical diagram of the EV Charging Installation

3.      Product cut sheets with Specifications

4.      Load Calculation Sheet

5.      EV License if required by the County

**Electrical one-line diagram needs to contain:
1. Size of the service
2. Size of the conduits or method of wire run
3. Size of conductors
4. All equipment including EV Charging unit specifications.

Include a bollard description if protection of the electrical equipment is required.

EV Commercial Installation

Same as above but requires more detailed plans as listed below.

ZONING PERMIT APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

1. Permit Application – Filled out in its entirety.  Check the “Other” box and listing “EVCS”.

2. Application Fee – $20.00.

3. Site Plan – Plan drawn to scale to show location of charger(s). (See below) For Commercial installations plans must be drafted by an engineer or architect.

4. Survey – An accurate survey, showing the proposed placement.

5. Bollard Specs – Attachment detail for bollard installations where protection of electrical equipment is required.

6. Approved Sign & Sign Elevations – Contact Dan Barber, Rockton Public Works, at 815-624-7600.

SITE PLAN SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

1. Limits of Site Plan should include 75’ around the area of disturbance and show the following:

a. Location and number of charging stations

b. Equipment anchorage and support

c. Note whether the spaces are specifically reserved for EV charging

d. Note whether there is a time limit for parking and/or charging

e. Lighting plan (if lighting is proposed)

f. Bollard details for vehicle protection

g. Screening of installation may be required (site dependent)

h. Pavement markings and dimensions

i. Conduit locations and disconnects

j. Vehicular movement plan (if the proposed location is such that it may impede traffic flow)

k. Manufacturers specifications

2. Signage location, details and elevations.

For more information for the Village of Rockton contact Mark Henderson at 815-624-0935.  For Winnebago County call 815-319-4350.