Cuyama Solar LLC, is proposing to construct the first commercial-scale solar energy project in Santa Barbara County. The project would generate up to 40 megawatts of power using single-axis solar photovoltaic panels. The facility would be located south of Cuyama and includes a 3-mile long power line to PG&E's Cuyama Substation (see Figures 1-3 below). The proposed project site would occupy 327 acres of actively cultivated, irrigated agricultural land.
The project requires a: Conditional Use Permit; a lot line adjustment; a consistency rezone; removal of 167 acres from an Agricultural Preserve (Williamson Act) Contract; and amendments to the County’s Land Use and Development Code (Zoning Ordinance) to allow commercial solar projects on agriculturally-zoned (AG-II) property with a major Conditional Use Permit.
The amendments to the Zoning Ordinance would allow development of utility-scale, solar photovoltaic electrical generation projects on AG-II properties in the Inland Area of the County, subject to a Conditional Use Permit. The County’s current zoning ordinance provides for permitting of small-scale solar projects for residences and other end-users of the generated electricity, but does not provide for larger projects whose primary purpose is to sell electricity off-site to utility companies.
The Energy Division deemed the project application complete on October 27, 2011. It has been determined that an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) will be prepared for the project. A Preliminary Environmental Assessment, prepared independently by the applicant, discusses potential project environmental impacts and will be used as a starting point for discussion.The first step of the environmental review process is document scoping, where the public and other affected agencies have the opportunity to provide input on environmental concerns, the focus of the project environmental document, feasible ways in which project impacts may be minimized to insignificant levels (mitigation measures) and potential alternatives to the project. An EIR scoping meeting was held on Wednesday, December 14, 2011 in the Cuyama Valley Recreation District. Twenty-one people attended the meeting, including Energy Division staff, First Solar representatives, prospective consultants responding to the EIR’s Request for Proposals and local Cuyama residents.
The County of Santa Barbara is extending the public comment period to January 20, 2012. Please send your comments to: Kathy McNeal Pfeifer, Planning & Development, Energy Division at 123 E. Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 or to kathypm@countyofsb.org.
For more information, go to http://www.countyofsb.org/energy/announcements.asp#Solar
or contact Kathy Pfeifer.
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