RESOLUTION NO. 2025-xxx
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN MARCOS, CALIFORNIA ADOPTING THE GUIDELINES FOR ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS POLICIES AND PROCEDURES WHEREAS, the City of San Marcos recognizes the increasing deployment of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to support energy infrastructure and sustainability efforts; and WHEREAS, lithium-ion BESS pose significant safety and operational risks, including thermal runaway, fire hazards, explosion risks, toxic gas emissions, and firefighter safety concerns; and WHEREAS, regulatory and environmental challenges complicate BESS deployment, with evolving technology often outpacing standardized safety codes, leading to inconsistencies in protection measures; and WHEREAS, the potential risks associated with BESS include chemical leaks, groundwater contamination, and battery disposal challenges, necessitating stricter regulations and improved safety protocols; and WHEREAS, the City of San Marcos Fire Department has established comprehensive Protection Guidelines for Lithium-Ion BESS facilities exceeding 600 kWh to ensure safety, compliance, and emergency preparedness; and WHEREAS, these Protection Guidelines align with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 855 (2023) and the California Fire Code (CFC), applying to both new and existing installations; and WHEREAS, addressing fire and explosion risks requires enhanced fire suppression systems, battery management systems, emergency response preparedness, and ventilation and explosion control measures; and WHEREAS, the City of San Marcos is committed to ensuring the safe and sustainable integration of BESS into the power grid by regularly updating these guidelines to reflect advancements in technology and industry standards; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of San Marcos hereby approves and adopts the Guidelines for Energy Storage Systems policies and procedures.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of San Marcos this 11th day of March 2025, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
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Rebecca D. Jones, Mayor
City of San Marcos
ATTEST:
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Phillip Scollick, City Clerk
City of San Marcos