Energy Storage News•about 1 month ago
Santa Cruz County publishes draft BESS zoning ordinance, officials delay environmental review by another three months
Key Takeaway
The emergence of specific local BESS zoning ordinances and associated environmental review delays introduces new regulatory complexities and potential timeline extensions for energy storage project development in key markets like California.
AI Summary
- •Santa Cruz County (CA) has published a draft zoning ordinance specifically regulating the deployment of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
- •The environmental review process for this BESS zoning ordinance has been delayed by an additional three months, indicating potential regulatory hurdles and extended timelines.
- •This development highlights a growing trend among California jurisdictions to establish local-level policies impacting BESS project siting, permitting, and development costs.
- •For developers and large power consumers, this signals increased complexity and uncertainty in deploying BESS projects within the CAISO market due to evolving local regulations.
Topics
caisopolicystorage
Article Content
The Community Development and Infrastructure Department at Santa Cruz County has become the latest California jurisdiction to publish a draft zoning ordinance regulating the deployment of battery energy storage systems.