Goleta Energy Storage Project
Final Mitigated Negative Declaration 

Laurel Perez of Suzanne Elledge Planning and Permitting Services (SEPPS) on behalf of Goleta Energy Storage, LLC has requested approval of a new 60 mega-watt lithium ion Energy Storage Facility.  The applications associated with the proposal include a Tentative Parcel Map, Conditional Use Permit, a Development Plan, and a Development Plan Amendment with associated adjustment to the landscaping development standard per Section 17.59.040 of Title 17 of the Goleta Municipal Code.  The project description and location are provided below. The City has completed a Draft Initial Study/Draft Mitigation Negative Declaration and circulated the document for public review commencing on June 18, 2021 and concluding on July 19, 2021 at 5pm.  Public comments received have been incorporated into the Final MND.

The Goleta Energy Storage project includes:

1. Proposed Conditional Use Permit and Development Plan for the development and operation of a 60-megawatt lithium-ion battery energy facility containing energy storage cabinets (Megapacks) manufactured by Tesla along with supporting equipment such as transformers, inverters and other electrical distribution equipment. Each megapack has pre-installed energy storage components that are contained in a steel cabinet enclosure. The current design includes the installation of up to 62 Megapacks. The project also includes an on-site electrical substation with a transformer, and the construction of an underground connection (tie line) to the existing SCE Isla Vista substation located west of and adjacent to Storke Road, approximately 300 feet west of the project site.  The underground tie line would be constructed using directional drilling beneath the Storke Road right-of-way.
2. Proposed Tentative Parcel Map to divide the existing 5.88-acre project site parcel into two lots.  Proposed Lot 1 would be addressed as 6864 Cortona Drive, be 2.66 gross acres in size, and be used for the Goleta Energy Storage Project. Proposed Lot 2 would be addressed as 6868 Cortona Drive and be 3.22 gross acres in size,  An existing 60,068 square foot research and development building located within the boundaries of proposed Lot 2 would be retained. The existing research and development building was initially developed via an As-Built Development Plan, Case No. 04-35-DP.
3. Proposed Development Plan Amendment to 04-35-DP and a proposed Adjustment to a landscaping development standard is associated with the existing development (60,068 square foot research and development building) located on proposed Lot 2.
4. The proposed Goleta Energy Storage facility would be accessed from Cortona Drive along two proposed reciprocal access easements over proposed Lot 2.

The project site is approximately 5.88 gross acres and is located at 6864 and 6868 Cortona Drive.  The Assessor’s Parcel Number is 073-140-027. The project site is located in the Inland area of the City, has a Business Park (I-BP) land use designation and is zoned Business Park (BP). 

• Notice of Adoption of a Final Mitigated Negative Declaration and Planning Commission Hearing on October 25, 2021
  continued from Planning Commission Hearing of October 11, 2021 due to lack of a quorum of the Planning Commission
• Notice of Adoption of a Final Mitigated Negative Declaration and Planning Commission Hearing on October 11, 2021
• Notice of Availability of a Draft Mitigated Negative Declaration (Notice Date: June 18, 2021)

IN LIGHT OF THE CITY'S NEED TO HOLD PUBLIC MEETINGS ELECTRONICALLY AND TELEPHONICALLY DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, written comments may be submitted as instructed above or to Deborah Lopez, City Clerk via e-mail: dlopez@cityofgoleta.org or by electronic means during the Public Hearing (date and time noted above), provided they are received prior to the conclusion of the public comment portion of the Public Hearing. Instructions on how to submit written comments during the hearing will be available on the City’s website:  www.CityofGoleta.org/GoletaMeetings.

Comments or questions regarding the project and/or review process can be directed to Kathy Allen, Supervising Senior Planner at kallen@cityofgoleta.org, or by phone at 805-961-7545

Documents:

Final Mitigated Negative Declaration and Appendices (September 2021):

• Final IS-MND and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP)
• Attachment 1    Project Plans
• Attachment 2    Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Modeling Results
• Attachment 3    Biological Resources Assessment 
• Attachment 4    Geotechnical Engineering Report
• Attachment 5    Supplemental Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Modeling Results
• Attachment 6    Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) - Report
• Attachment 6    ESA - Appendices A-C
• Attachment 6    ESA - Appendix D Local Agency Records (1 of 8)
• Attachment 6    ESA - Appendix D Local Agency Records (2 of 8)
• Attachment 6    ESA - Appendix D Local Agency Records (3 of 8)
• Attachment 6    ESA - Appendix D Local Agency Records (4 of 8)
• Attachment 6    ESA - Appendix D Local Agency Records (5 of 8)
• Attachment 6    ESA - Appendix D Local Agency Records (6 of 8)
• Attachment 6    ESA - Appendix D Local Agency Records (7 of 8)
• Attachment 6    ESA - Appendix D Local Agency Records (8 of 8)
• Attachment 6    ESA - Appendix E - Site Photos
• Attachment 6    ESA - Appendices F-I - Historical Aerial Photos
• Attachment 6    ESA - Appendix J - Regulatory Database Search Report
• Attachment 7    Hazards Analysis and Risk Assessment
• Attachment 8    Risk Assessment Peer Review Comments
• Attachment 9    Drainage Analysis
•  Attachment 10 Storm Water Control Plan
• Attachment  11 Noise Memorandum 
• Attachment 12 Acoustical (Noise)  Analysis Peer Review 
• Attachment 13 Outdoor Lighting Guidelines (Design Review Board)
• Attachment 14 Traffic and Parking Assessment
• Attachment 15 Biological Technical Report Addendum

Draft Mitigated Negative Declaration (June 2021)

• Draft Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration dated June 2021
• Note: Draft MND Appendices 1-14 did not change following public review and are linked above.