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Packed public turns out as Vacaville reviews draft battery‑energy‑storage ordinance; residents press for ban or larger setbacks
Summary
A study session on a draft city ordinance for battery energy storage systems drew heavy public comment. Staff proposed a draft modeled on Solano County practice with 300‑foot buffers from sensitive receptors, permitting standards, and public‑benefit requirements; many residents urged an outright ban on lithium‑ion facilities or much larger setbacks and asked for stronger financial assurances and firefighter capacity guarantees.
The Planning Commission held a study session on Nov. 18 to review a draft ordinance that would regulate utility‑scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) within Vacaville city limits.
Staff summarized the state policy drivers (SB 100, AB 205 and SB 245), explained the California Energy Commission’s (CEC) opt‑in certification pathway that can limit local review, and outlined a draft municipal ordinance modelled on Solano County’s approach. The draft would conditionally permit BESS in certain zones outside high fire severity areas, require minimum buffers from sensitive receptors (the draft used a 300‑foot buffer), require hazard analyses, emergency‑response and decommissioning plans, public‑benefit agreements for larger projects, and specify a formal preliminary application and public‑meeting process.
Commissioners questioned why staff recommended a 300‑foot…
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