OCN Empowers Strata Committees with EV Charging By-Law
As electric vehicles (EVs) become increasingly popular, NSW strata committees are often asked to support the installation of EV charging infrastructure in apartment buildings. The key to a smooth process is having a clear by-law that outlines how charging facilities will be managed, maintained, and funded.
Here’s a practical step-by-step guide for committees considering EV charging:
1. Source a Template or Draft
Don’t start from scratch—use a proven precedent.
✅ If you’re a member of the Owners Corporation Network (OCN), you can access a pro-forma EV charging by-law for just $220. This template can be tweaked to suit your building’s specific needs, saving time and legal costs.
Other options include:
Strata Community Association (SCA NSW)
Specialist strata law firms such as Bannermans, JS Mueller, Bugden Allen Graham Lawyers (BAGL), and Grace Lawyers
2. Tailor the By-Law to Your Building
Every building is different. Adjust your by-law to cover:
Usage – who can access charging facilities
Cost recovery – who pays for installation, usage, and maintenance
Safety – compliance with fire, electrical, and strata standards
3. Call a General Meeting
Share the draft by-law with all owners and include it in the agenda for discussion and voting.
4. Pass by Special Resolution
The by-law must be approved by at least 75% of votes in favour at the general meeting.
5. Prepare NSW LRS Forms
Fill out the official paperwork – Change of By-Laws (Form 15/16).
6. Lodge with NSW Land Registry Services (LRS)
Once passed, the by-law needs to be registered. You can:
Ask your strata manager or lawyer to lodge it, OR
Lodge it yourself online through NSW LRS: 👉 NSW LRS – Change of By-Laws
7. Update Records
Add the new by-law into the consolidated by-law register and share updated copies with all lot owners.
8. Keep Documentation
Maintain clear records of:
Meeting approvals
Installation agreements
Ongoing maintenance responsibilities
✅ Tip for Committees: If your building wants to be “EV ready” without spending thousands on legal drafting, start with the OCN’s $220 pro-forma by-law. Tweak it for your needs, get it passed at a meeting, then register it with NSW LRS. It’s often the fastest and most affordable way forward.
Getting the right by-law in place is the first and most important step towards making your building EV-ready. Don’t wait until residents are frustrated by the lack of charging options—start the process now.
👉 If your strata committee would like expert guidance, tailored by-law drafting, or a complete EV charging solution, get in touch with us today. We’ll help you navigate approvals, installation, and compliance so your building is future-ready.
