HOAs can apply for funds to install EV charging stations

Fairfax County is launching a pilot program to help homeowner and condominium associations install electric vehicle charging stations.

HOAs that are accepted into the Charge Up Fairfax program will receive a site visit and assessment from an engineering firm, paid for by the county.

If the HOA decides to proceed with the project, it would be responsible for the purchase and installation of Level 2 EV charging stations, including permitting, electrical upgrades, installation of equipment, and final inspection.

Participating HOAs can then seek reimbursement for up to $10,000 of the installation costs.

Applications for Charge Up Fairfax are due Nov. 12.

Interested HOA officials are encouraged to attend a webinar on the program on Thursday, Sept. 14, at 12:30 p.m. Register here.

Charge Up Fairfax is open to multifamily condo buildings, clusters, or townhome communities with an HOA and a parking lot accessible for residents and their guests.

The program is limited to certain designated “high vulnerability” areas, which includes most of Annandale/Mason District.  

The Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination will select approximately five communities for the pilot program. Additional applications will be accepted in spring 2024.

Once an HOA has been approved for the Charge Up Fairfax program, the county’s contractor will conduct an engineering assessment, at the county’s expense, that will consider physical and environmental barriers, power sources, site conditions, estimated costs, and a project timeline. 

The county’s contractor would then prepare an assessment memo which the HOA members could use to determine whether they want to proceed with installing an EV charging station.

Before applying for Charge Up Fairfax, HOAs are encouraged to survey residents to determine how many residents own or lease an EV, how many are interested in acquiring one, and whether there is community opposition to an EV station.