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ALUC-25-14 (City of Vacaville Battery Energy Storage System Ordinance)
Determine that Application No. ALUC-25-14 (City of Vacaville Battery Energy Storage System Ordinance), located within the Travis Air Force Base (TAFB) Compatibility Zone D and E and Nut Tree Airport Compatibility Zones, is consistent with the applicable Airport Land Use Compatibility Plans.
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RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt a resolution determining Application No. ALUC-25-14 (City of Vacaville Battery Energy Storage System Ordinance), located within the Travis Air Force Base (TAFB) Compatibility Zone D and E and Nut Tree Airport Compatibility Zones, is consistent with the applicable Airport Land Use Compatibility Plans (City of Vacaville)
DISCUSSION:
Section 21676 (d) of the State Aeronautics Act requires the Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC) review of zoning regulations amendments within an Airport Influence Area.
The City of Vacaville Community Development Department is proposing to adopt an ordinance to regulate Battery Energy Storage Systems within City limits. The proposed BESS ordinance establishes comprehensive regulations for battery energy storage systems for residential, commercial and industrial or public utility scale, including strict siting requirements that prohibit BESS facilities in the Nut Tree Airport Compatibility Plan area, prohibit BESS facilities in fire hazard zones and floodplains without flood protection measures, and agricultural zones, while requiring substantial setbacks from sensitive receptors (300 feet for systems with thermal runaway risk). The ordinance mandates extensive safety measures, including third-party technical studies, emergency response planning, fire protection systems, air monitoring, decommissioning bonds, and compliance with NFPA 855 and UL 9540 standards, with additional requirements for facilities using battery technologies that pose thermal runaway risks.
In summary, the ordinance proposes:
1. Land Use and Siting Standards: BES...
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