title
Receive a presentation on the status of the draft Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) ordinance; Provide feedback and direction on proposed ordinance provisions; Direct staff to proceed with final ordinance preparation and public hearing scheduling
body
Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Resource Management recommends that the Board of Supervisors:
1. Receive a presentation on the status of the draft Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) ordinance;
2. Provide feedback and direction on the proposed ordinance provisions, including key policy decisions regarding prime agricultural land regulations and setback standards; and
3. Direct staff to proceed with final ordinance preparation and public hearing scheduling.
SUMMARY:
Since implementing the BESS moratorium in January 2024, the Department of Resource Management has undertaken an extensive consultation process to develop comprehensive regulations for Battery Energy Storage Systems in unincorporated Solano County. This effort has been informed by the BESS Technical Working Group, composed of local first responders, industry experts, and community representatives, and has included consultation with national safety organizations and other jurisdictions with BESS experience. The draft ordinance reflects feedback from the groups and strives for a careful balance between advancing renewable energy goals and ensuring robust public safety protections. Development of the draft ordinance has reached a stage where Board feedback would be timely as final ordinance provisions are developed. The draft ordinance is supplemented by an additional regulatory document developed by Solano Office of Emergency Services, the Battery Energy Storage System Emergency Response Plan Guidance (Attachment B). In order to adopt an ordinance before the expiration of the current moratorium on BESS, the ordinance must be...
Click here for full text