Battery Energy Storage Systems Zoning Ordinance

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The County is taking steps to guide the safe and responsible growth of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). By developing clear standards for BESS through a Zoning Ordinance amendment, we aim to:

  • Define what types of uses are allowed

  • Identify where facilities can be located

  • Reduce potential impacts on surrounding areas

  • Explore incentives for placing facilities in certain locations

  • Allow flexibility to support new and emerging technologies

These standards will help protect nearby communities and encourage innovation. The County is seeking input from residents and local partners to ensure the standards reflect community needs.

How can you participate in the process? 

  • Follow this project and receive regular status updates  

  • Comment on draft materials when released 

  • Attend public meetings

  • Ask questions


The County is taking steps to guide the safe and responsible growth of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). By developing clear standards for BESS through a Zoning Ordinance amendment, we aim to:

  • Define what types of uses are allowed

  • Identify where facilities can be located

  • Reduce potential impacts on surrounding areas

  • Explore incentives for placing facilities in certain locations

  • Allow flexibility to support new and emerging technologies

These standards will help protect nearby communities and encourage innovation. The County is seeking input from residents and local partners to ensure the standards reflect community needs.

How can you participate in the process? 

  • Follow this project and receive regular status updates  

  • Comment on draft materials when released 

  • Attend public meetings

  • Ask questions


  • August and September 2026 Virtual Public Meetings

    Share August and September 2026 Virtual Public Meetings on Facebook Share August and September 2026 Virtual Public Meetings on X (formerly Twitter) Share August and September 2026 Virtual Public Meetings on Linkedin Email August and September 2026 Virtual Public Meetings link

    Thank you to everyone who attended the August and September meetings! During these meetings, we provided an overview of the draft BESS Zoning Ordinance Amendment, answered questions, and collected feedback.

    Missed the meetings? View the presentation slides, August 27 meeting recording, and September 17 meeting recording.

    Thank you to everyone who attended the August and September meetings! During these meetings, we provided an overview of the draft BESS Zoning Ordinance Amendment, answered questions, and collected feedback.

    Missed the meetings? View the presentation slides, August 27 meeting recording, and September 17 meeting recording.

  • Notice of Availability of the Draft Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Zoning Ordinance

    Share Notice of Availability of the Draft Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Zoning Ordinance on Facebook Share Notice of Availability of the Draft Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Zoning Ordinance on X (formerly Twitter) Share Notice of Availability of the Draft Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Zoning Ordinance on Linkedin Email Notice of Availability of the Draft Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Zoning Ordinance link

    The County of San Diego Planning & Development Services (PDS) is pleased to announce that the Draft Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Zoning Ordinance amendment is available for public comment.

    View the draft ordinance

    The draft ordinance defines BESS uses and determines where BESS can be located. The draft proposes to prohibit BESS in residential zones and encourages siting of BESS in appropriate industrial and commercial zones. The draft only addresses BESS facilities that have a total energy storage capacity of more than 600 kilowatt-hours (kWh). The draft also incorporates requirements to address safety and compatibility with surrounding areas.

    Comment on the Draft Ordinance

    We want your feedback! Comments can be submitted via email to PDS.LongRangePlanning@sdcounty.ca.gov or mailed to the attention of Mayu Tanaka at the County of San Diego Planning & Development Services, 5510 Overland Avenue, Suite 210, San Diego CA, 92123.

    Comments are due by Sunday, September 27 at 11:59 p.m.

    The County of San Diego Planning & Development Services (PDS) is pleased to announce that the Draft Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Zoning Ordinance amendment is available for public comment.

    View the draft ordinance

    The draft ordinance defines BESS uses and determines where BESS can be located. The draft proposes to prohibit BESS in residential zones and encourages siting of BESS in appropriate industrial and commercial zones. The draft only addresses BESS facilities that have a total energy storage capacity of more than 600 kilowatt-hours (kWh). The draft also incorporates requirements to address safety and compatibility with surrounding areas.

    Comment on the Draft Ordinance

    We want your feedback! Comments can be submitted via email to PDS.LongRangePlanning@sdcounty.ca.gov or mailed to the attention of Mayu Tanaka at the County of San Diego Planning & Development Services, 5510 Overland Avenue, Suite 210, San Diego CA, 92123.

    Comments are due by Sunday, September 27 at 11:59 p.m.

  • Public Webinar on Thursday, November 20

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    On November 20, 2025, the County hosted a public webinar to discuss the upcoming BESS Zoning Ordinance project.

    During this webinar, County staff:

    • Provided an overview of prior efforts related to BESS standards
    • Discussed potential standards to be included in the ordinance
    • Collected initial feedback on potential Zoning Ordinance standards for locating, designing, and building BESS facilities.

    Missed the meeting? The recording, presentation slides, and public comment virtual whiteboard are now available.

    On November 20, 2025, the County hosted a public webinar to discuss the upcoming BESS Zoning Ordinance project.

    During this webinar, County staff:

    • Provided an overview of prior efforts related to BESS standards
    • Discussed potential standards to be included in the ordinance
    • Collected initial feedback on potential Zoning Ordinance standards for locating, designing, and building BESS facilities.

    Missed the meeting? The recording, presentation slides, and public comment virtual whiteboard are now available.

Page last updated: 06 Oct 2026, 11:28 AM