A zoning ordinance that would effectively prohibit the development of battery energy storage system (BESS) facilities inside Santa Maria city boundaries was given first approval this week by the City Council.

Community Development Director Chenin Dow told the council that the ordinance was developed by staff after a recent fire at a lithium battery storage facility in Moss Landing, and inquiry about potential BESS development locally.

A January fire at the Moss Landing facility, roughly 80 miles south of San Francisco, led to the evacuation of 1,700 people, forced the closure of part of Highway 1, and generated huge flames and significant amounts of toxic smoke, according to the Associated Press.

Initial plans for the Santa Maria zoning ordinance limited the development of BESS fa

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