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Council asked to extend moratorium on large energy-storage systems while city drafts updated code
Summary
Planning staff asked council to extend a moratorium on non-residential energy-storage systems to allow time to draft and vet a locally tailored code and to incorporate stakeholder feedback from utilities, fire authorities and tribal partners.
Planning staff asked the council on Oct. 13 to extend a moratorium on non-residential energy-storage systems to allow additional time to draft a code tailored to Auburn—s needs and to complete the public-review process.
Planning Services Manager Alexandria Teague presented the request to extend the moratorium (Ordinance 6995) that would continue the restriction adopted under Ordinance 6978 (effective May 5, 2025) for another six months while staff completes a code update. Teague said the extension would allow staff to incorporate feedback gathered from a roundtable with industry and safety stakeholders, including representatives from a local electricians union, trade unions, Puget Sound Energy, Valley Regional Fire Authority and the Muckleshoot Tribe.
Teague said staff plan to begin Planning Commission review in December and expects to advance a draft code through commission hearings with adoption targeted by March 2026. Councilmembers asked clarifying questions about timeline and stakeholder input. Staff recommended the council schedule ordinance action for Oct. 20.
Ending: The request is procedural: staff seek a six-month extension to preserve the moratorium while completing a locally tailored code, host robust stakeholder outreach and proceed through normal Planning Commission and public-hearing steps.
