Navigating Chicago’s Complex Condo Board Politics: Why Your EV Charger Dreams Could Be Stuck in Committee Until 2026
Chicago condo owners looking to install electric vehicle chargers are discovering that 2025’s evolving regulatory landscape has created a perfect storm of bureaucratic complexity, board politics, and legal uncertainty that can turn a simple home improvement into a months-long ordeal.
The New Legal Reality: Illinois EV Charging Act vs. Chicago’s Proposed Ordinance
The Illinois Electric Vehicle Charging Act, signed into law by Governor Pritzker, 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. However, the Act only grants the right to install EV charging equipment to unit owners of condominium and community associations constructed or established after January 1, 2024, meaning unit owners in existing associations don’t have this automatic right.
Meanwhile, Chicago’s proposed “Right to Charge” ordinance would require community associations to approve a unit owner’s request to install an EV charging station “in the same manner as an application for approval of an alteration, modification, or improvement to the common elements” and applications would be deemed approved if not denied within 60 days. However, this ordinance has not yet been adopted, leaving many condo owners in a legal gray area.
Why Board Politics Have Become More Complicated in 2025
The regulatory uncertainty has emboldened some condo boards to take a “wait and see” approach, while others are proactively creating policies to manage the growing demand. With EV adoption on the rise, condo boards should proactively address charging infrastructure before demand surpasses capacity, requiring well-structured policies that balance financial responsibility with sustainability.
Some board members are concerned about providing “special privilege” to individual unit owners and prefer installing general-use outdoor chargers instead that accept credit card payments, even when individual owners are willing to pay for their own installations. This shift in thinking reflects broader concerns about equity and long-term building management.
The Financial Politics Behind EV Charger Approvals
Under Illinois law, associations must allow reasonable accommodation for EV chargers, but they are not required to fund installations. In most cases, owners will be responsible for the installation, maintenance and electricity costs of EV charging stations. However, some buildings install smart chargers with tracking for direct billing, while others fold the cost into association fees, requiring clear policies on cost allocation and consistent enforcement to ensure fairness and transparency.
The complexity increases when considering infrastructure upgrades. Installing EV chargers in parking lots attached to old buildings often requires major and expensive upgrades to the existing electrical infrastructure, and these costs are often bigger than installation or equipment costs and not recuperable by incentive programs. Consequently, landlords and management companies simply don’t see installing EV chargers as a good investment.
The 60-Day Approval Trap
While the proposed Chicago ordinance includes a 60-day deemed approval provision, board approval is deemed granted if the board does not issue a written denial within 60 days of receipt of an application “unless the delay is the result of a reasonable request for additional information.” This exception has become a common stalling tactic, with boards requesting additional engineering studies, insurance documentation, or architectural reviews that can extend the process indefinitely.
Insurance and Liability: The New Battleground
As a condition of approval, unit owners must provide a certificate of insurance from the contractor naming the Association, its Board and agents as additional insured parties, and must maintain liability insurance for their EV charging station and supply a certificate of insurance to the Association within 14 days of approval and annually thereafter. These requirements have become increasingly burdensome, with some associations demanding coverage levels that exceed industry standards.
Success Stories: When Politics Align
Not all Chicago condo associations are stuck in political gridlock. The 600 N Lake Shore Drive Condominium Association successfully migrated 148 smart charging stations, with over a quarter of the 401 units opting for an EV charger in their dedicated parking spaces, believed to be one of the nation’s largest residential installations of EV chargers to date. Board President Sunil Mehra noted that residents are environmentally responsible and recognize the advantages and convenience of EVs, especially in a city setting, with strong demand for EV chargers in their parking spaces.
Professional Installation: Cutting Through the Red Tape
Working with experienced contractors who understand Chicago’s complex approval landscape can significantly streamline the process. Professional EV Charger Installation services that include permit handling, board liaison work, and comprehensive insurance documentation can help navigate the political complexities that have emerged in 2025.
Chicago requires permits for EV charger installation, and experienced contractors like Jimco Electric pull permits, schedule inspections, and ensure everything meets local electrical codes. Licensed, bonded, and insured contractors with decades of experience in Chicago can provide the credibility and documentation that condo boards require, while homeowners trust them because they show up when promised, fix what needs fixing, and explain the work in plain English.
Looking Ahead: What 2026 May Bring
The current regulatory uncertainty is likely to resolve in 2025, either through adoption of Chicago’s proposed ordinance or through legal challenges that clarify existing rights. Many community association legal experts note that their clients have already granted unit owners the right to install EV charging stations pursuant to license agreements, which cover many of the regulatory issues and provide additional recommended terms to protect association interests.
For condo owners considering EV charger installation, the key is understanding that 2025’s political landscape requires patience, proper documentation, and professional guidance. While the process may be more complex than in single-family homes, successful installations are happening across Chicago when owners work within the system and address board concerns proactively.
The intersection of environmental goals, property values, and community governance will continue to evolve, but early adopters who navigate the current political complexities successfully are positioning themselves for the electric future that’s rapidly approaching Chicago’s residential landscape.