Vacaville, California Approves BESS Ordinance Banning Lithium BESS in City Limits

Communities across the country are reevaluating how Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) facilities are regulated. This is especially relevant for Hauppauge, where the proposed lithium-ion BESS project at 220 Rabro Drive is currently subject to a temporary moratorium enacted by the Town of Islip — a short-term pause that does not solve the underlying concerns with the current BESS code.

In March 2026, the Vacaville, California City Council unanimously approved a new ordinance regulating BESS facilities following community safety concerns and public discussion.

The ordinance prohibits lithium-ion battery storage within city limits while still allowing energy storage projects that utilize safer alternative technologies, such as non-flammable battery chemistries like flow batteries and other emerging long-duration storage technologies.

By allowing energy storage projects that use alternative technologies, the ordinance demonstrates that restricting lithium-ion systems does not eliminate energy storage entirely, but instead directs development toward technologies with fewer documented fire and environmental risks.

Key Takeaways

• Unanimous Decision: Vacaville’s City Council approved the ordinance unanimously.

• Lithium-Ion Restrictions: The ordinance prohibits lithium-ion battery storage due to safety and environmental concerns.

• Safety Setbacks: A 500-foot buffer requirement was established around energy storage facilities.

• Alternative Technologies Allowed: Energy storage projects using non-flammable or lower-risk battery technologies may still be considered.

• Important Precedent: Because the ordinance still allows alternative storage technologies, it shows that limiting lithium-ion BESS is not unreasonable or burdensome, but rather a policy choice focused on safer energy storage solutions.