Adopt Ordinance for Battery Energy Storage Systems

The project involves the adoption of Zoning Code Amendment CA 24-03 by Orange County to formally integrate Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) facilities into the county’s zoning regulations for unincorporated areas. This regulatory action establishes guidelines intended to safeguard public health and safety and ensure that BESS developments are compatible with adjacent land uses, without requiring environmental review under CEQA due to a categorical exemption under Section 15061(b)(3). The amendment sets foundational zoning parameters such as setbacks and operational standards but does not include detailed technical specifications for equipment, fire safety, or grid interconnectivity. The process is administrative and non-competitive, led by Orange County Public Works’ Development Services, with approval authority resting with the Board of Supervisors. No procurement of goods or services is involved, and no contract value, pricing structure, or line-item costs are applicable. All submittals must be made in physical form to the Orange County Public Works office at 601 North Ross Street, Santa Ana, CA, with a deadline of November 4, 2025, and must include a CEQA Notice of Exemption, proof of fee payment, and a CDFW No Effect Determination. The project is not subject to Federal Acquisition Regulation clauses, as it is a local zoning ordinance, not a federal contract. There are no contract types, delivery schedules, FOB terms, inspection criteria, or contractor roles identified—responsibility remains entirely with the county government. Contacts for the project are administrative, with Virginia Gomez serving as Senior Planner and CEQA liaison, and Sarah Luna as Deputy Clerk handling filings. No federal representations, UEI, CAGE codes, socioeconomic certifications, or payment systems are applicable, and the entire process is governed by state environmental and land-use law rather than federal contracting rules.