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Baldwin Park imposes 45‑day moratorium on battery energy storage projects to allow safety rules
Summary
The council adopted a 45‑day urgency moratorium on approval, establishment or operation of battery energy storage system facilities to give staff time to draft regulations addressing fire and explosion hazards related to lithium‑ion batteries; motion passed unanimously.
Baldwin Park’s City Council on June 3 adopted a 45‑day urgency moratorium on the approval, establishment or operation of battery energy storage system (BESS) facilities within city limits so staff can develop and propose land‑use, safety and emergency‑response regulations.
City Attorney explained the moratorium is authorized under Government Code §65858 and is intended to protect public health, safety and welfare while the city assesses unique fire and hazardous‑material risks posed by facilities that store lithium‑ion batteries. Council members cited recent regional incidents and asked staff to evaluate whether permanent prohibitions or tighter controls are warranted.
Council member Alejandra Avila asked whether the city could ban such facilities outright; the city attorney said staff will assess legal options and report back. The measure requires a unanimous vote of council members present; the motion passed 4–0.
Next steps: staff will draft regulations and return within the moratorium period — or seek an extension — and the council directed the city attorney to advise on possible long‑term land‑use restrictions or conditions.
