The proposed lithium-ion battery storage facility in Canyon Country is on the agenda for the Santa Clarita Planning Commissioners to discuss, alongside the Skyline Ranch Lighting Project during their regular meeting Tuesday.

During previous discussions about the lithium-ion battery storage facility since August, Santa Clarita Planning Commissioners had expressed concerns regarding fire and seismic safety of the 80-megawatt facility in Canyon Country, according to the agenda. 

Proposed to cover three acres of undeveloped land east of the intersection of Sierra Highway and Soledad Canyon Road, organizers with the Canyon Country Energy Storage Project have been requesting a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) from the planning commission for approximately two months.

During the first meeting about the project in August, multiple speakers opposed the project due to the proximity to residential spaces and fire safety concerns, according to the agenda.

The desired location of the proposed battery storage facility is shown next to residential properties in Canyon Country. Photo Courtesy of Google Maps.

As a result, the planning commission directed the applicant to return to the following meeting on Sept. 21 with “additional information regarding fire safety, locations of similar uses within Los Angeles County and applicable development standards.”

The planning commission then moved the item to instead be discussed in October to allow the applicant more time to gather the necessary information to bring to the commission, according to the agenda. 

The applicant has since affirmed to the commission that great progress has been made in obtaining the required information, but it remains unknown if the applicant has obtained all the evidence necessary to bring forward to the commission, according to the agenda. 

The Santa Clarita Planning Commission may delay further discussion about the project until the applicant meets with the Los Angeles County Fire Department to obtain proper feedback, but may present their current findings Tuesday night. 

The commission is also scheduled to discuss the Skyline Ranch Park Lighting Project, which is expected to provide adequate lighting for sporting events and practices when the park is completed. 

Photo Courtesy of the Oct. 19 planning commission agenda.

Located between Plum Canyon Road and Sierra Highway in Canyon County, Skyline Ranch Park is expected to host sports games and practices and officials are requesting a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to install 26 additional light standards to the current plan for the park, according to Skyline Ranch officials. 

“The proposed lighting would focus light on the sports courts and fields during night practices, games, and events, and would limit light spillover with appropriate shielding,” read the agenda report. 

The 26-proposed light standards are expected to measure between 25-feet and 80-feet tall, similar to lengths of typical lights across Santa Clarita parks, according to officials.

Skyline Ranch Park was originally approved as a part of the greater Skyline Ranch development that was certified and met environmental impact standards, but lighting had not been discussed in the original plans. 

To begin lighting installation, a CUP must be issued and approved by the Santa Clarita Planning Commission because these plans were not discussed during the original build of the park, according to the agenda. 

To listen to the Santa Clarita Planning Commission’s thoughts on both projects, click here.

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