BALDWIN PARK — Baldwin Park Battery Storage Moratorium is now in effect after the City Council unanimously approved a temporary pause on new commercial and utility-scale battery energy storage projects while officials develop local safety and land-use regulations.
The interim urgency ordinance, adopted June 3, establishes a 45-day moratorium on the approval, establishment and operation of new Battery Energy Storage System, or BESS, facilities throughout the city. Officials said the temporary measure gives staff time to study appropriate development standards before considering future projects.
Battery energy storage systems play an expanding role in California’s electric grid by storing electricity generated during periods of lower demand or peak solar production and releasing it when demand increases. The technology supports renewable energy while helping improve grid reliability.
The ordinance applies only to larger commercial and utility-scale battery storage facilities. Residential battery systems paired with rooftop solar panels and batteries used in electric vehicles are not affected.
Baldwin Park Battery Storage Moratorium Reflects Regulatory Gap
According to the city staff report, Baldwin Park’s Municipal Code, Zoning Code and General Plan do not currently establish development standards or permitting requirements for battery energy storage facilities. City officials said that gap could allow projects to move forward before regulations are adopted to address compatibility with surrounding neighborhoods and businesses.
The staff report identifies several issues associated with large lithium-ion battery installations. Those concerns include thermal runaway events, fires that can be difficult to extinguish, hazardous gas releases, specialized firefighting requirements, post-fire cleanup and noise generated by cooling and ventilation equipment.
“The purpose of this interim ordinance is to preserve and promote the public health, safety, and welfare while City staff analyzes and prepares new or revised regulatory proposals to govern BESS facilities,” the staff report states.
The moratorium temporarily prevents the city from issuing discretionary approvals tied to new battery storage projects, including zoning amendments, conditional use permits, development agreements, site plan approvals and related building permits. Existing lawfully established facilities are exempt.
Neither the ordinance nor the accompanying staff report identifies a specific battery storage proposal or project site in Baldwin Park. Instead, city officials described the action as a precaution while permanent regulations are developed.
California Law Allows Temporary Moratorium
California Government Code Section 65858 allows cities to adopt temporary urgency ordinances when officials determine a proposed land use could conflict with zoning or planning regulations under review. The initial moratorium remains in effect for 45 days unless extended by the City Council while work on permanent regulations continues.
In the coming weeks, city staff is expected to evaluate where battery energy storage facilities may be appropriate, what development standards should apply and what safety measures should be required before new projects are approved.
As battery storage becomes a larger part of California’s clean energy strategy, Baldwin Park joins other cities reviewing how to balance renewable energy goals with fire safety, emergency preparedness and neighborhood compatibility. More information on California’s energy storage efforts is available through the California Energy Commission at https://www.energy.ca.gov and the California Legislature at https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov.
