HomeMy WebLinkAboutAGENDA REPORT 2025 0521 CC REG ITEM 09B POWERPOINTBattery Energy Storage Systems
(BESS) Zoning Review
City Council Meeting – May 21, 2025
Presented by Doug Spondello, Community Development Director
Background: Zoning Update &
Definitions
• July 2023: City adopted Ordinances Nos. 512-515 to
implement General Plan 2050
• BESS conditionally permitted within a building in M-1,
M-2, I, I-F zones
• 'Energy Storage' defined in MMC 17.08.010
• 'Building' must have roof, enclosure – key for zoning
interpretation
11/20/2024 Council requests to reassess regulations
BESS Developments
State Energy Storage Policies
• AB 2514 (2010): 1,325 MW target by 2020
(CPUC)
• CAISO projects 50 GW storage needed by 2045
• BESS used for grid optimization and
emergency backup
• Applications range from residential to grid-
scale systems
AB 205 and CEC Oversight (2022)
• CEC can approve BESS >200 MWh, overriding local
permits
• Projects must comply or meet strict override findings:
–Public convenience and necessity
–Overall net positive economic benefit to local
government + community benefits agreement
–Prevailing wage & safety standards
•CEC lead agency for environmental review
• No projects approved to date under opt-in process but
eight under review (four BESS)
Moorpark BESS Applications
• Hecate Grid –600 MW outdoor BESS (Tract No. 5906)
–Application incomplete
– Pre -app denied (seeking building exemption)
–Fire hazard zone concerns
• Prologis –500 MW BESS + 507,000 SF industrial buildings
–Application incomplete
Both near SCE substation on Gabbert Rd
Both projects governed by existing Development Agreements
Fire Safety Concerns with BESS
• Recent BESS fires: Moss Landing, Escondido,
Valley Center
• Risks: thermal runaway, toxic gases, reignition
and proximity to urban development
• High resource burden on fire services
• Noted by Ventura County Fire Chief Horton
Applicable Codes and Standards
• NFPA 855, NFPA 1, NFPA 70 (NEC)
• California Fire Code (CFC), Chapter 12
• CBC & CEC –if BESS is inside a structure
• UL 9540 / 9540A –Testing & Listing standards
• Hazard Mitigation Analysis required for large
systems
Policy Questions for Council
1. Should BESS remain a conditionally permitted
use?
And, if not:
2. Which zones should permit or prohibit BESS?
3. Should specific requirements apply
(indoor/outdoor, screening, distance)?
Staff Recommendation
•• Confirm whether BESS remains a desired use
•• If changes are needed:
–Direct staff to update zoning code
–Provide direction regarding new
development standards desired
No immediate CEQA or fiscal impact