On March 10th 2026, The City council unanimously approved the new BESS zoning ordinance. This ordinance prohibits large industrial-scale Lithium Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) but allows BESS with safer technology.

More Information on the BESS Ordinance approval:

Bess not capable of thermal runaway is permitted in the following zones: 
Business park, industrial park, public facilities 

It is excluded in the following areas: 
  • Not allowed in high or very high fire zones
  • Not allowed in nut tree airport comparability zone
  • Not allowed in northeast growth area
  • Not allowed in areas that are already planned to be developed. 
  • Not permitted any closer than 500 ft from sensitive receptors. ​

Two areas were excluded from draft ordinance leaving one area that the city owns.
(See map on right)
Read more about the recent
​BESS Ordinance approved. 
We support energy storage with safe technology and agree with the safety standards set forth in this new ordinance. 

While this is an important step towards keeping our city safe, we recognize the Corby and Vaca Dixon Power Center BESS projects are subject to approval at a state level not a city level. 

We need to stay engaged in the public comment process for these two projects and continue to ask for a denial. 

​Learn more and submit a comment about the current projects: