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


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Comment on the Draft Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Zoning Ordinance amendment  

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. 

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.

Document for Public Review and Comment 

Click anywhere in the document to add a comment. You can choose to download the documents by clicking on the download icon at the top of the document view window. Downloading is also available on mobile devices by clicking on the three lines at the top right-hand side of the document view window.  

Comments may also be emailed to PDS.LongRangePlanning@sdcounty.ca.gov(External link) 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.



Table of Contents

  1. Basic Provisions…………………………………………1
  2. Use Regulations…………………………………………2
  3. General Regulations General Provisions………….....4


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Page last updated: 21 Aug 2026, 10:39 AM