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Santa Maria adopts ordinance regulating battery energy storage systems in city zoning
Summary
The council adopted an ordinance amending the municipal code to add definitions and siting restrictions for battery energy storage systems (BESS). Staff cited safety concerns after the Moss Landing incident; ordinance narrows viable sites inside city limits.
The City Council adopted Ordinance No. 2025-01 amending Title 12 of the Santa Maria Municipal Code to add new definitions and siting parameters for battery energy storage systems (BESS).
Planning staff said the ordinance was driven by safety concerns following high-profile battery storage fires elsewhere (notably Moss Landing). Staff noted the technology continues to evolve and that the ordinance is intended to reduce the risk to residential areas, schools and other sensitive receptors by restricting where high-capacity BESS facilities can be sited.
During public comment, a representative from Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) said state law and the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) generally preempt local land-use regulation of public utility electric facilities and urged continued coordination between the city and utilities. City staff said the ordinance would not retroactively nullify previously approved permits; an existing 10-megawatt project that had earlier approvals and was seeking a renewal would be evaluated consistent with its prior permit and the renewal process.
Council members asked staff about site availability under the new rules. Staff responded that within current city limits there are no vacant parcels properly zoned and distant enough from sensitive receptors to meet the ordinance standards; potential future siting could occur in annexation areas or industrial zones that meet the distance and transmission connection criteria.
Council moved and seconded adoption of the ordinance. On roll call the council voted: Mayor Pro Tem Escobedo — Aye; Council member Aguilera Hernandez — Aye; Council member Flores — Aye; Council member So to — Aye; Mayor Patino — Aye. The ordinance was adopted unanimously.
