Held from April 28, 2026 (Item No. 10): Approve referral to County Counsel, in coordination with Administration, to report to the Board with options for consideration relating to land use regulations and cost recovery reimbursement mechanisms to support the installation of solar agrivoltaics at Agricultural-Large Scale parcels. (Lee)
The source text indicates this attachment appears to be a draft document.
This document is a referral from Supervisor Otto Lee to the Board of Supervisors regarding the installation of solar agrivoltaics on Agricultural-Large Scale parcels. It recommends that County Counsel, in coordination with Administration, report back with options for land use regulations and cost recovery mechanisms. The referral aims to support agricultural viability while integrating renewable energy solutions. The document outlines the potential benefits of agrivoltaics, including improved agricultural productivity and energy efficiency, and emphasizes the importance of maintaining agricultural lands in Santa Clara County.
Key points
Referral to County Counsel for options on solar agrivoltaics regulations.
No fiscal implications to the County general fund.
Focus on Agricultural-Large Scale parcels for agrivoltaics.
Potential benefits include increased agricultural productivity and energy efficiency.
The proposal aligns with state renewable energy mandates and local agricultural needs.
The document anticipates a report back by the end of October 2026.
Limitations
The document contains unresolved placeholders and lacks specific details in some sections.
The document appears to be a draft as it includes a date for a future report back.
Generated for convenience from extracted text using AI. Review the official source document before relying on this summary.
Extracted text preview · 8,607 chars
County of Santa Clara Board of Supervisors Supervisorial District Three Supervisor Otto Lee 129706 DATE: June 23, 2026 TO: Board of Supervisors FROM: Otto Lee, President SUBJECT: Solar Agrivoltaics RECOMMENDED ACTION Held from April 28, 2026 (Item No. 10): Approve referral to County Counsel, in coordination with Administration, to report to the Board with options for consideration relating to land use regulations and cost recovery reimbursement mechanisms to support the installation of solar agrivoltaics at Agricultural-Large Scale parcels. (Lee) FISCAL IMPLICATIONS No fiscal implications to the County general fund. REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATION At the April 28, 2026 meeting (Item No. 10), the item was continued. The following outlines additional consideration as part of the referral: • The referral is intended to capture any agricultural large-scale parcels and not just those APN’s listed in the April 28, 2026 referral. • If the Board of Supervisors adopts a regulatory framework for the establishment of agrivoltaics on agricultural large-scale parcels, any County costs relating to the processing of a permit application for agrivoltaics will be borne by the applicant consistent...
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Proposed Referral Cover Sheet - Solar Agrivoltaics
The source text indicates this attachment appears to be a draft document.
This document is a Proposed Referral Cover Sheet for Solar Agrivoltaics initiated by Supervisor Lee. It includes details about the referral, the administrative recommendations, and potential budgetary impacts. The referral is intended for discussion at a Board Meeting scheduled for June 23, 2026. The document outlines the involvement of various county departments and indicates that further consultation and potential legislative updates may be necessary.
Key points
Initiating Supervisor: Supervisor Lee
Subject of Referral: Solar Agrivoltaics
Completed Legislative File for Referral is attached: Yes
Date Submitted to County Executive: June 12, 2026
Board Meeting Date: June 23, 2026
Recommendations include holding direction on proposed referral for annual review and budget workshop.
Estimated budgetary impact is indicated but not specified.
County Counsel will use existing staff for initial report; a consultant may be needed for a pilot project at an estimated cost of $300,000.
Referral integrates with existing work but may require new structures or services.
Coordination with external entities is anticipated.
Possible need for amendments to County Ordinance Code or County Policy.
Limitations
The document appears to be a draft as it contains placeholders and unresolved sections.
Specific budgetary impacts are not filled in.
Some sections are incomplete or contain placeholders for further description.
Generated for convenience from extracted text using AI. Review the official source document before relying on this summary.
Extracted text preview · 4,273 chars
\ County of Santa Clara 8 Proposed Referral Cover Sheet ‘= Initiating Supervisor(s) provides form via email with Section 1 completed to kimberly.forrester(2)ceo.sccgov.org at least one week before agenda publication for Board Meeting Date; County Executive will return completed form one week from date of receipt. Section 1: For Completion by Supervisor’s Office: 1. Initiating Supervisor(s): Supervisor Lee Subject of Referral: Solar Agrivoltaics Completed Legislative File for Referral is attached: IN| Yes > + ® Date Submitted to County Executive (submit to kimber!y.forrester@ceo.secgoy.org) and County Counsel: 6/12/26 5. For Board Meeting Date: 6/23/26 Section 2: For Completion by Administration: 6. Administration Recommendation: Board Direction at Board Meeting L] Hold Direction on Proposed Referral for Annual Review and Prioritization of Referrals (based on combined assessment criteria) LÌ Hold Direction on Proposed Referral for Recommended Budget Workshop (based on budgetary impact) 7. Indicate the estimated range of the budgetary impact (excluding current staff time): [_] $0-$10,000 [__] $10,001 — $100,000 $100,001 — $500,000 [_ ] $500,001 — $1,000,000 [_ ] over $1,000,000...
The document contains public comments regarding agrivoltaics in Santa Clara County. Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE) expresses interest in partnering with the County to explore agrivoltaics projects that combine energy and food production. They highlight the benefits of local clean energy sourcing and the potential for agrivoltaics to provide shade for crops and generate revenue for landowners. Conversely, Green Foothills and the Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance oppose a proposed referral for agrivoltaics on Agricultural-Large Scale lands, citing concerns over land use compatibility, potential negative impacts on agriculture, and resource allocation. They argue that existing policies protect agricultural lands and that agrivoltaics should not be pursued at the expense of farmland. Additionally, a public comment supports agrivoltaics, emphasizing its potential to address water scarcity and enhance agricultural productivity. The document includes multiple letters and opinions from various stakeholders.
Key points
SVCE seeks to partner with Santa Clara County on agrivoltaics projects.
SVCE believes agrivoltaics can supply clean energy, provide shade for crops, and generate revenue for landowners.
Green Foothills and the Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance oppose the agrivoltaics referral, citing concerns about agricultural land protection.
The opposition highlights the need for a comprehensive planning process rather than a standalone referral.
A public comment supports agrivoltaics, citing its potential to improve water retention and agricultural yields.
Limitations
The text includes multiple letters and opinions but lacks specific details on proposed projects, timelines, or regulatory frameworks.
Some sections reference attachments that are not included in the provided text.
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Extracted text preview · 15,346 chars
| Sunnyvale, CA 94087 | | SVCleanEnergy.org June 18, 2026 Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors County of Santa Clara 70 W. Hedding Street San Jose, CA 95110 Dear Board President Lee and Supervisors Abe-Koga, Arenas, Duong, and Ellenberg: As you know, Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE) is a joint power authority that purchases clean energy for the residents and businesses in 13 local jurisdictions including Unincorporated Santa Clara County. SVCE is continually seeking new sources of clean energy from throughout California and the Western United States to meet the growing demand for power and the critical need to retire fossil fuel power facilities. While all of SVCE’s energy purchases to date have been from sources outside of Santa Clara County, we are very interested in purchasing energy from local facilities. Buying local power eliminates line losses associated with energy from distant locations, enhances system reliability, and reduces the need to expand transmission capacity. Given the limited wind, hydropower, and geothermal resources in Santa Clara County, solar energy is the most feasible local clean energy source. SVCE understands that the County is committed to...
The document contains public comments in support of Item 10 on the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors' agenda, which pertains to the exploration of agrivoltaics—combining agricultural production with solar energy generation. Multiple individuals express their support, emphasizing the importance of preserving agricultural heritage while addressing climate change and economic viability. The comments clarify that the item does not approve any specific project but directs County staff to study the potential for agrivoltaics and report back with options.
Key points
Support for Item 10 on the June 23, 2026 agenda regarding agrivoltaics.
Agrivoltaics combines agricultural production with solar energy generation.
Comments emphasize the importance of preserving agricultural heritage and supporting farmers.
The item directs County staff to evaluate agrivoltaics and report back with options, without approving specific projects.
Limitations
The text indicates multiple authors but does not provide complete information for all signatories.
Some placeholders and formatting issues are present, such as 'SIGNATURE:' and '[EXTERNAL]'.
Generated for convenience from extracted text using AI. Review the official source document before relying on this summary.
Extracted text preview · 7,477 chars
6/22/2026 President Otto Lee and Members Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors 70 West Hedding Street San Jose, CA 95110 Re: Support for Item 10 - Solar Agrivoltaics Board Referral Dear President Lee and Members of the Board of Supervisors: My family has a deep history in Gilroy, and this history has given me a deep appreciation for Gilroy's land, agricultural heritage, and community. I believe preserving that heritage requires thoughtful solutions that help agricultural land remain productive and economically viable for future generations. My family has lived on farmland, and we also have several close family friends who settled in Gilroy many years ago, back when it was widely known as a small farming town. Over the years, we have watched Gilroy grow and change, while still taking great pride in its agricultural roots, strong community, and unique culture. Gilroy means a great deal to my family and me, and any thoughtful opportunity that could support the farming community while helping address climate change through increased renewable energy use would mean a great deal to us. Agrivoltaics, which is the use of the same land for active agriculture and solar-energy...
This document contains public comments in support of agrivoltaic development in Santa Clara County, specifically regarding Item 10 on the June 23, 2026 Board of Supervisors agenda. Multiple individuals express their support, highlighting the benefits of combining solar energy generation with active farming, including water conservation, economic opportunities, and improved conditions for farmworkers. The comments emphasize the importance of innovative solutions for agricultural sustainability and climate resilience.
Key points
Sara Noto supports agrivoltaic development for its potential to address water scarcity and improve crop production.
Agrivoltaics can reduce irrigation needs and create cooler working conditions for farmworkers.
David Bini represents labor organizations supporting the development of agrivoltaics as a means to protect agricultural heritage and create green jobs.
Lilly Ho emphasizes the need for thoughtful solutions to maintain agricultural productivity while generating clean energy.
The comments collectively urge the Board of Supervisors to explore agrivoltaics as a viable option for the county's future.
Limitations
The text includes multiple comments but does not provide specific details about the agenda item or the decision-making process.
There are unresolved placeholders and formatting issues in the extracted text that may affect the clarity of the summary.
Generated for convenience from extracted text using AI. Review the official source document before relying on this summary.
Extracted text preview · 7,522 chars
BoardOperations From: Sent: To: Subject: Sara Noto Monday, June 22, 2026 5:28 PM BoardOperations [EXTERNAL] Support for Item 10 June 23rd, Agrivoltaics To Whom it May Concern, I am a mom of two children and I've been a resident of Santa Clara County for over ten years, When I think about the world my kids are inheriting, I think about water. I think about rising temperatures. I think about whether the farms and open lands that are still part of this county will still be here when my children are grown. These are not abstract concerns to me. They are concerns about the future of my children and the children of the broader community. And these concerns they are why I am writing in support of agrivoltaic development in our county. Agrivoltaics — the practice of combining solar energy generation with active farming on the same land — feels like the kind of solution a community like ours should be embracing. We are surrounded by some of the most innovative thinking in the world. It matters that we apply that spirit to our own land and water challenges, not just to the next app or platform. The water benefits alone make this worth pursuing. Solar panels shade the soil, reduce...
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Presentation relating to Solar Agrivoltaics Technology
The presentation discusses agrivoltaics as a proven technology that preserves primary agriculture over long project lifespans. It highlights studies from universities and NREL that validate agrivoltaics, confirming that agriculture remains the main use. The presentation emphasizes the importance of reversible solar infrastructure in Santa Clara County, where solar panels are viewed as temporary rather than permanent conversions. It advocates for agriculture-first designs on A-40 land that maintain agricultural productivity through science-based designs optimizing crop yields under partial shade. The presentation also aligns long-term land stewardship with public policy goals, focusing on soil protection and ongoing farming, supported by research from UC Davis and NREL.
Key points
Agrivoltaics preserves primary agriculture over long project lifespans.
Studies validate that agriculture remains the main use in agrivoltaics.
Solar infrastructure is treated as subordinate and reversible in Santa Clara County.
Panels are viewed as temporary, not permanent conversions.
Agriculture-first, reversible solar designs are proposed for A-40 land.
Designs optimize crop yields under partial shade.
Long-term land stewardship aligns with public policy goals.
Emphasis on soil protection and ongoing farming.
Supported by research from UC Davis and NREL.
Generated for convenience from extracted text using AI. Review the official source document before relying on this summary.
Extracted text preview · 837 chars
Agrivoltaics a proven technology 1 Preserves primary agriculture over long project lifespans 5 University and NREL studies validate agrivoltaics Confirm agriculture remains the main use 2 Why these agrivoltaics cases matter for Santa Clara County Solar infrastructure treated as subordinate and reversible Panels viewed as temporary, not permanent conversion 3 Agriculture-first, reversible solar on A-40 land Agricultural productivity maintained by science-based design Designs optimize crop yields under partial shade 4 Long-term land stewardship aligned with public policy goals Emphasis on soil protection and ongoing farming Academic and lab support: UC Davis and NREL research 6 GGS project fit: vegetable production supported under partial shading Designs emphasize continuity, soil care, reversibility
Craig Tomasello expresses his support for agrivoltaic development in Santa Clara County, highlighting its benefits for agriculture, water conservation, and the community. He emphasizes the positive impact of solar panels on crop irrigation and farmworker conditions, urging the board to embrace this innovative solution.
Key points
Craig Tomasello is an electrician and a parent in San Jose.
He supports the use of solar systems on agricultural land, specifically agrivoltaics.
Agrivoltaics allows for simultaneous agricultural production and solar energy generation.
Tomasello cites water conservation benefits, including reduced evaporation and irrigation needs.
He mentions crops that thrive under agrivoltaic systems, such as tomatoes and lettuce.
He highlights the cooler temperatures under solar panels as beneficial for farmworkers.
Tomasello urges Santa Clara County to lead in agrivoltaic development.
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Extracted text preview · 2,085 chars
BoardOperations From: Sent: To: Subject: Craig Tomasello Tuesday, June 23, 2026 9:53 AM BoardOperations [EXTERNAL] Subject: Support for Item 10 June 23rd, Agrivoltaics I am an electrician and I have solar panels on my home. I am also a father raising my children here in San Jose, and the public school my kids attend has agrivoltaics in its fields to provide solar energy. I support use of solar systems on agricultural land. Agrivoltaics – using land for both active agriculture and solar energy production at the same time – makes sense for Santa Clara County. Please support this process. That is why I am writing in support of agrivoltaic development in our county. Agrivoltaics is the kind of solution a place like ours should be embracing. We are surrounded by some of the most innovative thinking in the world. It matters that we apply that spirit to our own land and water challenges, not just to the next app or platform. The water benefits alone make this worth pursuing. Solar panels shade the soil, reduce evaporation, and have been shown to cut irrigation needs for some crops by more than half. In a county where water scarcity is a growing reality, that is meaningful. And the...
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Revised Presentation relating to Solar Agrivoltaics Technology Information
The document discusses the benefits of solar agrivoltaics technology, emphasizing its ability to preserve primary agriculture over long project lifespans. It highlights academic support from UC Davis and NREL, which validate that agriculture remains the main use of land. The designs prioritize agricultural productivity and soil protection while allowing for reversible solar infrastructure on A-40 land in Santa Clara County.
Key points
Preserves primary agriculture over long project lifespans.
Supported by research from UC Davis and NREL.
Agriculture remains the main use of land.
Designs optimize crop yields under partial shade.
Emphasizes soil protection and ongoing farming care.
Solar infrastructure is reversible and treated as subordinate.
Generated for convenience from extracted text using AI. Review the official source document before relying on this summary.
Extracted text preview · 807 chars
1 Preserves primary agriculture 5 over long project lifespans Academic and lab support: UC Davis and NREL research University and NREL studies validate Confirm agriculture remains the main use 2 Why these agrivoltaics 6 GGS project fit: vegetable Solar infrastructure treated as production supported under subordinate and reversible partial shading Designs emphasize continuity, soil Panels viewed as temporary, not cases matter for Santa Clara County Agriculture-first, reversible solar on A-40 land agrivoltaics permanent conversion 3 Agricultural productivity maintained by science-based design Designs optimize crop yields under partial shade 4 Long-term land stewardship aligned with public policy goals Emphasis on soil protection and ongoing farming care, reversibility
The document is a Request to Speak Form intended for public participation in a Board, Committee, or Commission meeting. It is a public record under the California Public Records Act and may be included in meeting materials on the County website. The form allows individuals to indicate their stance on agenda items, provide their name and address optionally, and submit written comments if they do not wish to speak orally.
Key points
The document is a public record subject to disclosure under the California Public Records Act.
It may be added to meeting materials posted on the County website.
Individuals can fill out the form to address the Board, Committee, or Commission.
The form includes options to indicate support, opposition, or neutrality regarding agenda items.
Name and address fields are optional.
Written comments can be submitted for the record without speaking.
Limitations
The document contains numerous placeholders and incomplete sections, making it difficult to summarize specific details.
There are multiple instances of unclear or garbled text, which affect the overall clarity and completeness of the information.
Generated for convenience from extracted text using AI. Review the official source document before relying on this summary.
Extracted text preview · 2,956 chars
REQUEST TO SPEAK FORM This document is a public record, subject to disclosure under the California Public Records Act. This document may also be added to the meeting materials posted on the County website. If you wish to address the Board, Committee, or Commission, please fill out this form and place it in the container provided. DATE: /. For Issue [] , AGENDA ITEM NO.2 -+> Against Issue [] NAME (OPTIONAL) Ag h Neutral __ □ D Decline to state [] )[[][[\[)]] ()[[[)]][[_). PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY ADDRESS (OPTIONAL): 4 If you want to provide written comments for the record only, and you do NOT wish to address the Board, Committee, or Commission orally, please write comments below. 8%+2 REv rs REQUEST TO SPEAK FORM This document is a public record, subject to disclosure under the California Public Records Act. This document may also be added to the meeting materials posted on the County website. If yeu wish to 7ess )he Board, Co,mmittee, or Commission, please fill out this form and place it in the container provided. o» b, For Issue ~ UCL vwve onoA. Against Issue AGENDA ITEM NO. D Neutral /uh1,3f. D \) * Wri~mments for the record only oeceo see L) PLEASE PRI 'T CLEARLY )Fp[][/pH])N]...