Electric vehicle (EV) charging stations may soon begin cropping up in more housing developments and condo associations throughout Maine in the near future.
Beginning on January 1, 2026, a new law signed by Gov. Janet Mills (D) will override any bylaws or declarations “prohibit[ing] or plac[ing] an unreasonable restriction” on the installation or use of EV chargers in unit parking spots or common parking areas.
Under LD 1133, unit owners may submit an application to the executive board to install an EV charger in their parking spot or in a common parking area with the written approval of each unit owner.
These applications must be acknowledged in a timely manner and processed in the same way as an application for “an addition, alteration or improvement.”
The law then goes on to outline a number of requirements that must be met by unit owners installing EV chargers, including providing proof of insurance and paying for the increase in the electric bill that result from its usage.
Individuals are also responsible for the charger’s maintenance over time, as well as any costs associated with removing the charger in the future.
Associations may require unit owners to remove any EV chargers they have installed before moving out of their property.
Under this law, associations may also take steps themselves to install EV chargers for common use by association members.
Gov. Janet Mills (D) signed this bill into law on Thursday, June 12.
