Article

The Santa Barbara County Planning Commission is reviewing proposed updates to solar power regulations, emphasizing the impact on agricultural land and project review levels. A tier system is suggested to categorize solar projects, with smaller projects requiring fewer permits.

Utility-scale projects are limited to a specific area, raising concerns about agricultural land conversion. The commission also discussed battery storage fire risks following incidents at other facilities. Alternative regulatory options were presented, and the commission voted unanimously to continue discussions on May 4, incorporating recommendations from local environmental organizations.