San Marcos adopts battery storage guidelines

The city becomes the first in San Diego County to approve guidelines for lithium-ion battery facilities as many residents push back on proposed developments

The San Marcos City Council adopted guidelines regarding battery energy storage systems on Tuesday. File photo

SAN MARCOS — The city is the first in San Diego County to levy guidelines regarding battery energy storage systems.

The City Council unanimously approved a policy establishing protection guidelines from the San Marcos Fire Department, which sets standards for BESS facilities during Tuesday’s meeting. Mayor Rebecca Jones pushed the issue forward after the council discussed it in September 2024.

Jason Nailon, the city’s fire marshal, said the action from the council and fire department outlines developer guidelines and the document is continuously being developed. Jones said the city has control over the policy, while the fire department has authority over the guidelines.

Regardless, Nailon said the department is already working on a second version as the technology and speed of adoption are moving fast. However, Nailon said the guidelines are not law, which is reserved under the fire code and will be updated and adopted on Jan. 1, 2026.

“It’s an evolving technology,” Jones said. “There was specifically a certain storage facility proposed in our fire district, which is why I think it was prudent to move forward. We do live in a high wildfire area and that can’t be changed. This is a step in the right direction.”

According to Jones and Nailon, there are two methods for a BESS facility to be approved. One is most reserved for utility companies going through the California Public Utilities Commission, while private operators typically go through a city or county.

Councilwoman María Nuñez said she appreciated the concerns from residents over the controversial systems, including the proposed Seguro facility in Eden Valley between Escondido and San Marcos. The Seguro facility would reside in the San Marcos Fire Protection District.