Summary

Auburn Planning Commission (April 7, 2026) recommends Critical Areas and BESS code updates; BESS recommendation passed 3-2

AuburnApr 7, 20263 min read

At a glance

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The Commission unanimously approved March 3 minutes, recommended updates to the Critical Areas Ordinance (5-0), and recommended updates to the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Code to City Council after a split vote (3-2). Two design-standard items were removed from the agenda and a fact-finding committee on BESS safety was added to the next meeting agenda.

Committees mentioned

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Planning Commission

Topics discussed

Public SafetyEnvironmentalUtilities

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Key decisions

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Approved March 3, 2026 Planning Commission meeting minutes (motion carried unanimously, 5-0).
Recommended to City Council the proposed updates to the Critical Areas Ordinance, Chapter 16.10 ACC, as recommended by staff (motion carried unanimously, 5-0).
Recommended to City Council the proposed Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Code updates as recommended by staff (motion carried 3-2; Commissioners Berry and Walters voted no).
Business Item #3 (Citywide Design Standards Update and Related Code Update) and Business Item #4 (Downtown Design Standards Update and Associated Zoning Code Update) were removed from the agenda.
Commission discussed forming a fact-finding/ad hoc committee on BESS safety and added that item to the next month's agenda.

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Meeting information

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Planning Commission Meeting

Apr 7, 2026, 7:00 PMcompleted

Agenda

CALL TO ORDER
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS
PUBLIC COMMENT
This is the place on the agenda where the public is invited to speak to the Board on any issue.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. March 3, 2026 Draft Minutes from Regular Planning Commission Meeting
attachments=1 | reports=1
Decision: APPROVAL OF MINUTES
BUSINESS ITEM #1
A. Critical Areas Ordinance Update Staff Introduction/Presentation (Tatro) Staff will present the proposed updates to the Critical Areas Ordinance, Chapter 16.10 Auburn City Code (ACC) to Planning Commission for a recommendation to City Council
attachments=11 | reports=1
Decision: BUSINESS ITEM #1
B. Public Hearing
Decision: BUSINESS ITEM #1
C. Deliberation and Vote
Decision: BUSINESS ITEM #1
BUSINESS ITEM #2
A. Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Code Update Staff Introduction/Presentation (Clark) Staff will present the proposed development standards and land use approval pathways for BESS to Planning Commission for a recommendation to City Council.
attachments=15 | reports=1
Decision: BUSINESS ITEM #2
B. Public Hearing
Decision: BUSINESS ITEM #2
C. Deliberation and Vote
Decision: BUSINESS ITEM #2
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT REPORT
ADJOURNMENT