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City approves large EV fast‑charging site with two Tesla Megapacks after public safety debate
Summary
Council approved a private proposal for up to 51 EV chargers and two on‑site Tesla Megapacks at 1501 North Coast Highway, 63 parking stalls and a 3,457‑sq‑ft convenience market; approval came after residents raised safety and siting concerns and the fire department described response protocols and separation requirements.
The Oceanside City Council on Feb. 4 approved a proposed electric‑vehicle fast‑charging facility at 1501 North Coast Highway that includes up to 51 EV chargers, a 3,457‑square‑foot convenience market, 63 parking stalls and two Tesla Megapacks for on‑site battery storage.
The project: Nicole Weidman, planner II, said the development package requests a development plan, a conditional use permit and a regular coastal permit; staff found the project categorically exempt under CEQA Guidelines §15332 (infill). The proposal includes two Tesla Megapacks (approximately 29 feet long, 5 feet deep, 9 feet high), a retail lounge and staffing of 2–5 employees daily; the applicant said the storage will operate ‘‘behind the meter’’ and improves resiliency and grid performance under a 0‑export interconnection agreement with SDG&E.
Public safety concerns and fire department response: Several residents and neighborhood groups opposed siting the Megapacks adjacent to a mobile home park and close to existing gas stations, citing past battery‑storage incidents and asking for city policy on placement criteria for large energy storage systems. In response, Fire Chief David Parsons said the project was reviewed under the 2025 California Fire Code and NFPA standards and that separation distances and structural controls are required to limit fire spread; Division Chief Blake Doris explained tactical response, including an initial isolation zone of about 100 meters (330 feet) and that best practice for a thermal‑runaway battery fire may be to isolate and allow the unit to burn out while protecting the public and first responders. Doris said monitoring time after an event may range from 12 to 72 hours depending on severity.
Applicant reply and precedent: Vaughn Johnson, chief operating officer at Rogue Charging, said the company has operational sites and has obtained fire reviews for other projects, and that UL 9540A testing and battery management systems are part of the product safety approach. Johnson told council that without battery storage the project likely would not meet investor return thresholds and ‘‘would likely die’’ economically.
Council decision and conditions: Council member Weiss moved approval and Council member Robinson seconded. After wide discussion and questions on plume studies, evacuation approaches, and proximity to residences, the council approved the staff recommendation with a recorded outcome of Motion approved 4 0 1 (Deputy Mayor Joyce absent). Staff noted that final design, fencing and solar elements (if any) will be subject to building permit review and final fire‑safety testing as conditions of approval.
What the vote means: Approval allows the project to proceed to permit and building‑plan review subject to the fire department’s final inspections, separation requirements, and required system testing for the battery storage units. Council members and staff said they would continue to track mitigation, training and coordination among local fire agencies.
