Project Description
The applicant is requesting a Countywide Plan Amendment for a land use designation change and a Rezoning to change the zoning designation on a property in unincorporated Novato. The existing land use designation is AGC3 (Agricultural and Conservation, 1 unit/2-9 acres) and proposed land use designation is PF (Public Facility). The existing zoning designation is BFC-ARP-2 (Bay Front Conservation and Agricultural Residential Planned) and the proposed is BFC-PF (Bay Front Conservation and Public Facilities). The proposed land use designation and zoning changes are proposed on the 12-acre portion of APN 157-171-24 where site improvements mentioned below are proposed. The PF land use designation includes power distribution facilities and is intended for both public and quasi-public purposes. The PF zoning district is consistent with the PF land use designation of the Countywide Plan and is intended for public facilities uses. The PF land use designation and zoning designation would be similar to the adjacent properties within the City of Novato jurisdiction.
The applicant is requesting Design Review approval for a lithium-ion battery energy storage facility with a capacity of storing and delivering approximately 300 megawatts of electric energy and associated ancillary services to the California electric grid. The project includes lithium-ion battery modules installed in racks housed in outdoor Battery Energy Storage Systems enclosures. The battery enclosure groupings consist of 4 to 12 enclosures measuring approximately 30 feet long by 6 feet wide with a height of 10 feet. Smaller enclosures are as small as 3.5 feet long by 5 feet wide by 8 feet tall.
Associated equipment would include a substation, water storage tanks, two modular structures. The power distribution center structure appears to be approximately 600 square feet. The maintenance building appears to be approximately 320 square feet. The project includes four 10,000-gallon water storage tanks. The project also includes outdoor electrical equipment such as a medium voltage transformer, electrical cabinets and panels, battery and power conversion equipment.
Other site improvements include a site access road, internal access roads, a bioretention basin, stormwater drainage systems and perimeter security fencing. The project includes an approximately one-quarter-mile generation 115kv overhead tie-line west across APNs 157-171-20, and -23 connecting the project to the existing PG&E Ignacio substation at APN 157-171-17. The applicant proposes to raise the project facility site by approximately 10 to 11 feet, which would be 1-foot above base flood elevation. This would result in approximately 165,000 cubic yards of fill.
Countywide Plan Amendment approval is required because the applicant is proposing to change the land use designation. Rezoning approval is required because the applicant is proposing to change the zoning designation. Design Review approval is required pursuant to Marin County Code section 22.14.040.
Zoning: BFC-ARP-2
Countywide Plan Designation: AGC3
Community Plan (if applicable): n/a