Policies

1. Policy LU-4.1 Context-sensitive design in the Mountain/Desert regions

   We require new development to employ site and building design techniques and use building materials that reflect the natural mountain or desert environment and preserve scenic resources.

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2. Policy LU-4.2 Fire-adapted communities

   We require new development in high or very high fire hazard severity zones to apply fire-resistant design techniques, including fuel modification areas, fire resistant landscaping, and fire-resistant building materials.

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3. Policy LU-4.4 Natural topography in the Mountain region

   We require new development in the Mountain region to retain natural topography and minimize grading unless it is necessary to reduce exposure to natural hazards.

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Goals

1. Goal RE-5 Siting

   Renewable energy facilities will be located in areas that meet County standards, local values, community needs and environmental and cultural resource protection priorities

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2. Goal RE-6 County Government Systems

   County regulatory systems will ensure that renewable energy facilities are designed, sited, developed, operated and decommissioned in ways compatible with our communities, natural environment, and applicable environmental and cultural resource protection laws

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Policies

1. Policy RE-4.2

   Ensure that renewable energy facilities do not disrupt, degrade, or alter the local hydrology and hydrogeology.

   • RE 4.2.1: Require a groundwater impact assessment that evaluates the short and long-term impacts to groundwater usage.
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2. Policy RE-4.3

   Require construction and operation of all renewable energy facilities to minimize negative effects and optimize benefits to unincorporated communities.

   • RE 4.3.1: Define measures required to minimize ground disturbance, soil erosion, flooding, and blowing of sand and dust, with appropriate enforcement mechanisms in the Development Code.
   • RE 4.3.2: Require operators to track and report energy production and other benefits cited in a project proposal, in addition to tracking efforts to avoid and minimize negative impacts.
   • RE 4.3.3: Give preference to the utilization of existing infrastructure to minimize the need for additional transmission development.
   • RE 4.3.4: Establish inspection protocols and programs to ensure that RE facilities are constructed, operated, and eventually decommissioned consistent with the requirements of the San Bernardino County Code, and in a manner that will not be detrimental to the public health, safety, or welfare.
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3. Policy RE-4.5

   Require RE generation facility developers to provide and implement a decommissioning plan that provides for reclamation of the site to a condition at least as good as that which existed before the lands were disturbed or another appropriate end use that is stable (i.e. with interim vegetative cover), prevents nuisance, and is readily adaptable for alternative land uses. Decommissioning plans shall:

   • RE 4.5.1: Include a cost estimate of the decommissioning and site restoration work for the purpose of providing a bond to guarantee completion of decommissioning.
   • RE 4.5.2: Provide for an inspection after all decommissioning and site restoration work to ensure that the work has been completed to the standards required by the County, prior to release of the decommissioning bond.
   • RE 4.5.3: Require any structures created during construction to be decommissioned and all material recycled to the greatest extent possible.
   • RE 4.5.4: Require all material recovered during decommissioning and site restoration work of a renewable energy facility, including the renewable energy technology itself, to be reused or recycled to the greatest extent possible.
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4. Policy RE-4.7

   RE project site selection and site design shall be guided by the following priorities relative to habitat conservation and mitigation:

   1. Avoid sensitive habitat, including wildlife corridors, during site selection and project design.
   2. Where necessary and feasible, conduct mitigation on-site.
   3. When on-site habitat mitigation is not possible or adequate, establish mitigation off-site in an area designated for habitat conservation.
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5. Policy RE-4.8

   Encourage mitigation for RE generation facility projects to locate habitat conservation offsets on public lands where suitable habitat is available.

   • RE 4.8.1: Collaborate with appropriate state and federal agencies to facilitate mitigation/habitat conservation activities on public lands
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6. Policy RE-4.9

   Encourage RE facility developers to design projects in ways that provide sanctuary (i.e., a safe place to nest, breed and/or feed) for native bees, butterflies and birds where feasible and appropriate, according to expert recommendations.

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7. Policy RE-5.4

   Utility-oriented RE generation facilities will be required to meet a higher standard of evaluation for appropriate site selection due to its size and distance from population centers.

   • RE 5.4.1: Establish a two-step application process for utility-oriented RE generation that evaluates site selection early in the planning process.
   • RE 5.4.2: Encourage utility-oriented RE generation to occur in the five DRECP Development Focus Areas (DFAs) that were supported by the Board of Supervisors on February 17, 2016, Resolution No. 2016-20 and on adjacent private lands.
   • RE 5.4.3: Direct utility-oriented RE generation facilities that may require transmission upgrades to seek sites within existing transmission corridors.
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Related Materials

1. Element as Adopted (adopted separately from Countywide Plan) Renewable Energy and Conservation Element (PDF only)

1. FOCUS STATEMENT A - Maintain the rural character of the community

   Action Statement A.4

   Establish a landscaping and lighting guide to help current and new residents and businesses either install or modify landscaping and lighting to meet the needs of the desert and dark sky regulations.

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