Striping
EV Charging Station Striping: Marking Requirements for Electric Vehicle Parking in Oregon
Cojo
March 21, 2026
6 min read
Electric vehicle adoption in Oregon is accelerating rapidly. Oregon has the fifth-highest EV adoption rate in the nation, and the state's clean energy goals are driving rapid expansion of charging infrastructure at commercial properties. As EV charging stations are installed in parking lots across the state, property owners need to understand the marking requirements that distinguish EV charging spaces from general parking.
Improperly marked EV spaces lead to non-EV vehicles occupying charger-equipped spaces, EV drivers unable to find and access charging stations, ADA compliance failures when accessible EV spaces are not properly designated, and enforcement difficulties when violations cannot be clearly documented.
EV charging spaces should be clearly marked with pavement stencils that identify them as reserved for electric vehicles. Common stencil options include the universal EV plug symbol — a stylized plug icon, "EV ONLY" or "ELECTRIC VEHICLE ONLY" text, "EV CHARGING" text, and combination stencils featuring both the symbol and text.
The stencil should be at least 36 inches in dimension, positioned in the center of the space where it is visible to approaching drivers. Green is the most widely recognized color for EV-related markings, though white is also acceptable.
Green has emerged as the de facto standard color for EV charging space markings, though no universal federal standard mandates this color choice. Green pavement, green curbing, or green-outlined stencils visually distinguish EV spaces from standard parking.
Some properties paint the entire EV space in green to maximize visibility. Others use green borders, green stencils on standard pavement, or green curbing. The key is immediate visual distinction — a driver should be able to identify EV spaces from a distance without reading text.
Vertical signs identifying EV charging spaces should display the EV charging symbol, "ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING ONLY" text, charging time limits if applicable, and towing or fine warnings for non-EV vehicles. Signs should be mounted at a height visible above parked vehicles — 60 inches minimum from the ground to the bottom of the sign.
Oregon has been proactive in EV infrastructure policy. Key state requirements affecting parking lot markings include Oregon's building code requiring EV-ready infrastructure in new construction (wiring and conduit for future charger installation), the Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program driving increased EV adoption, local municipal codes in Portland, Eugene, and other cities that may require specific EV space counts in new development, and Oregon DEQ clean fuel program creating additional incentives for charging infrastructure.
While Oregon does not yet mandate specific EV space marking designs at the state level, the emerging best practices and local code requirements described in this guide represent the standard that property owners should follow. Check with your local jurisdiction for any specific requirements. See our striping regulations in Oregon guide for the latest regulatory information.
When EV charging stations are installed in a parking lot, ADA accessibility requirements apply. A proportion of EV charging spaces must be accessible to people with disabilities — the same ratio as general accessible parking.
Accessible EV space dimensions. Accessible EV charging spaces must meet standard ADA accessible space dimensions — 96-inch minimum width with a 60-inch access aisle (or wider for van-accessible). The charging equipment must be positioned so it is reachable from the access aisle without requiring the user to walk behind or between vehicles.
Accessible route. The path from the accessible EV space to the building entrance must meet accessible route requirements — level, paved, and connected to curb ramps where needed.
Charging equipment reach. The charging connector, display screen, and payment interface must be at an accessible height — typically between 15 and 48 inches from the ground — and reachable from the access aisle. If the charger is mounted on a pedestal between two spaces, it must be reachable from the accessible space without crossing behind other vehicles.
Markings. Accessible EV spaces need both the standard EV charging stencils and the ADA International Symbol of Accessibility, along with access aisle crosshatch markings and appropriate signage combining both designations.
EV charging stations are typically placed along the perimeter of a lot or against a wall where electrical conduit runs. This placement often puts EV spaces in less-desirable locations, which is acceptable for Level 2 chargers where vehicles charge for hours. For DC fast chargers where vehicles charge for 20 to 45 minutes, more convenient placement near entrances may be appropriate.
Charging cables crossing pedestrian paths or vehicle travel lanes create trip hazards. Mark cable management zones on the pavement to indicate where cables may be present. Yellow-and-black stripes or "CAUTION — CHARGING CABLE" text alert pedestrians and drivers.
Some EV charging layouts use pull-through configurations for vehicles towing trailers (a growing consideration as electric trucks enter the market). These configurations need longer spaces (30+ feet) with appropriate boundary markings.
| Component | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| EV stencil per space | $25-$60 |
| Green space painting | $30-$75 per space |
| Green curbing per space | $15-$30 |
| EV signage per space | $75-$200 installed |
| Accessible EV space (complete) | $200-$450 |
Cojo marks EV charging spaces as part of comprehensive striping services for Oregon properties. We coordinate with your EV charger installer to ensure markings complement the equipment layout and meet all accessibility requirements. See our complete striping guide for more.
Contact Cojo for a free assessment.
Complete guide to ADA parking lot striping dimensions, paint colors, access aisle markings, and layout requirements for Oregon commercial properties. Includes van accessible specifications.
Current ADA parking lot striping requirements for Oregon in 2026. Space counts, dimensions, access aisles, signage, and marking specifications for full compliance.
Learn the specific requirements for van-accessible parking spaces in Oregon — wider aisles, vertical clearance, signage, and proper striping for full ADA compliance.
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