Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) ordinance
Summary
The county is writing new zoning rules for large-scale battery storage facilities — the kind involved in the January 2025 Moss Landing fire. The draft sets standards on water supply for firefighting, setbacks, fencing, battery chemistry, and permits, but the Commission wants it toughened before recommending it to the Supervisors.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 9
- Last 30 days
- 2
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 21, 2026.
Impact analysis
Not specified in the record, though labor and safety requirements could affect project costs for developers.
Residents near potential battery facility sites gain stronger fire-safety and local hiring protections.
Developers of battery storage projects, including the Allium project applicants, may face stricter requirements and delay.
Mentions & discussions (4)
Planning Commission - Oct 21, 2026
The county is writing its first real rules for large battery storage facilities after a Board moratorium on new applications. The draft covers setbacks, fire safety, battery chemistry, worker certification and decommissioning, but commissioners and many speakers said it isn't ready — some fear it's so restrictive it becomes a de facto ban and pushes projects to state permitting. The recommendation to the Board was put off to December 16.
Planning Commission - Aug 19, 2026
The county is writing rules for large battery storage facilities after the Moss Landing fire spooked residents. The draft bans NMC batteries, restricts siting to about 18% of the county, and requires fire safety and decommissioning plans — but commissioners want more work before recommending it.
Planning Commission - Jun 17, 2026
The county is writing new zoning rules for large-scale battery storage facilities — the kind involved in the January 2025 Moss Landing fire. The draft sets standards on water supply for firefighting, setbacks, fencing, battery chemistry, and permits, but the Commission wants it toughened before recommending it to the Supervisors.
Board of Supervisors - Jun 9, 2026
The county extended its BESS moratorium while racing to adopt a safety ordinance — Planning Commission June 17, Board June 23. Speakers warned a pause without standards lets developers bypass the county via the state's AB 205 pathway.
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