Baldwin Park extends moratorium on battery energy storage facilities to allow safety study

The Baldwin Park City Council voted unanimously July 15 to extend an interim urgency moratorium on the approval, establishment or operation of battery energy storage system facilities while staff prepares an ordinance and regulations. The city attorney said the council initially adopted a 45‑day moratorium on June 3 under Government Code section 65858; the extension adds 10 months and 15 days so staff can complete its review and recommendations.

The council opened a public hearing on the measure and heard residents and online callers express mixed views. One caller who identified themself as concerned about development patterns said the pause was warranted: "I wish the city can have a whole year to study because I don't believe just give you a couple of days… you can come here with a solution," the caller said. Another online speaker said neighboring cities had already rejected similar facilities and questioned the local benefits.

Council members framed the moratorium as a prudential pause to ensure the city’s code and safety rules keep pace with rapidly growing interest in battery storage, often used for renewable integration and backup power. Council member Alejandra Avila said the extension would allow the city to "understand it better, and we can make a better decision" before authorizing facilities.

City staff had told the council the moratorium is intended to protect public health, safety and welfare while staff studies potential community impacts and drafts regulations. The urgency ordinance requires a four‑fifths vote to enact an immediate extension; the council approved Ordinance 15‑28 by that threshold and carried the motion 5–0.

Next steps: staff will continue the review and prepare proposed code amendments and implementing regulations for future council consideration. The moratorium remains in effect while that work proceeds.