Santa Barbara County Utility-Scale Solar Ordinance Passes Final Hurdle

September 22, 2026

3CE applauds updated regulations providing a countywide permitting pathway for solar and battery storage projects

MONTEREY, Calif., September 22, 2026 – Central Coast Community Energy (3CE) welcomes the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors’ direction to advance a framework for responsibly sited utility-scale solar development in the unincorporated areas of Santa Barbara County.

The Board adopted an ordinance creating a countywide permitting pathway for responsibly sited utility-scale solar with provisions addressing agricultural solar development and battery storage.

“This is an important step for permitting more clean energy projects on the Central Coast,” said Santa Barbara County Supervisor and 3CE Policy Board member Joan Hartmann. “With the adoption of this ordinance, Santa Barbara County has a significant opportunity to expand local renewable-energy resources, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and support the region’s clean-energy future.”

The new ordinance will help provide greater land use clarity for landowners and clean-energy developers while balancing renewable-energy development with agricultural and environmental considerations.

The amendments will help centralize and streamline permitting for utility-scale solar projects and battery energy storage facilities that meet the County’s zoning regulations and responsible-siting criteria. By creating a clearer, more efficient permitting path, the ordinance improves project viability, helps reduce costs, and supports timely investment in clean-energy infrastructure. The ordinance also makes it easier to build smaller systems, including microgrids, that can strengthen resiliency at critical public facilities, helping to advance the Central Coast’s clean-energy transition.

“3CE’s role is to secure clean, reliable power at the best possible value for our customers. Creating a responsible pathway for more local solar and energy storage helps grow the supply of clean energy locally, and over time, greater supply can help put downward pressure on power costs,” said Das Williams, Director of Government and Community Relations at 3CE. “By adopting this ordinance, Santa Barbara County leaders are helping create the conditions for local clean energy development that comes with good paying jobs and economic benefits.”