[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6647818,"mediaKeyId","3806111-30e76d1c793204d8cb835e05d498dbd1","parentId",3806111,"title","Planning commission backs new rules for battery energy storage, recommends special permits in agricultural zones","audioSeconds",3397,"startMs",656000,"endMs",4053000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3806111-30e76d1c793204d8cb835e05d498dbd1&start=656&end=4053","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3806111-30e76d1c793204d8cb835e05d498dbd1/thumbnail_656000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6647818/Lancaster-County/Nebraska/Planning-commission-backs-new-rules-for-battery-energy-storage-recommends-special-permits-in-agricultural-zones","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6647818-e429cf78d905e5416d15dbbf854f24a5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771091206&Signature=Yp~2ZgfIk3vq~AMSCdAd9Zylii~h6dSK1wAB-UrTXJowtVBYOvR1~MN4zmNve-ZXPM1b96UMiccen3IMA5l5qYmqcRoUWf321GXwaA5ARZLxfRx6135DGpDkdcM5MLoTRRmi~ORuZMjc6oDsIawFRuXkriomrEXE1gyhAD1Sg~PP4FarAJzSTHfFDtpg4Pb5yCcuzLBYSVOIODUW5c245Lpetx754xlolOt4Ul9SGM5i6RFwz6Iz2AKK~LgzvoKzUx9D5zsD9Tg31QMgvk27dEM5dHNg8cpbhal46s2Cx6qDhePzg6CqSU5c~TC7JZpNC~-9rEOhpdetpXobfZVumQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Lancaster County, NE","date","2025-06-11T22:40:08Z","article","The Lincoln-Lancaster Planning Commission on June 11 voted 6-0 to recommend a change to the Lincoln Municipal Code establishing “battery energy storage systems” as a regulated land use with safety and siting conditions.

The commission approved the planning department's alternative text that would allow battery energy storage systems (BES) only by special permit in AG (agricultural) zoning and as a conditional use in specified highway and industrial districts, and would require an emergency action plan and safety data to be submitted to the health and fire departments.

Why it matters: Battery storage installations are increasingly proposed across Nebraska as utilities and developers add grid-scale batteries to store and dispatch electricity. Local rules that define where and how they can be built determine whether projects are screened through public hearings and which safety conditions will be mandatory.

What the commission approved: Planning staff recommended an alternate ordinance that removes the public zoning (P) district, allows BES as a special permit in AG zoning and as a conditional use in H3/H4 and I1'13 districts, and includes safety-focused conditions such as an emergency action plan and safety data sheet submissions to Lincoln Fire & Rescue and the health department. The commission's vote was to send that text amendment forward as a recommendation to the City Council.

What proponents said: Planning department planner George Wesselhaw presented the proposal and described it as \"a request to amend the Lincoln Municipal Code Utilities use group to add a new use type, a battery energy storage system.\" Applicant representatives said the technology is already in operation elsewhere and argued for streamlined review in AG when the battery would be sited near existing substations. Justin Adams of Eolian Energy described the storage systems'function: \"Essentially, what batteries do for the grid is, they take power when it's in excess, and then they store it, and then they deliver it when there's a greater need for it.\"

Safety and oversight: Staff and applicants both referenced the industry's standards, including laboratory testing (UL 9540A) and national fire code guidance (NFPA 855). Planning staff noted Lincoln Fire & Rescue reviewed the alternate text and supported the requirement for an emergency response plan. Department staff also pointed out that public utilities such as Lincoln Electric System are exempt from local zoning, meaning LES projects would not be subject to the special-permit process that private developers must follow.

Points of disagreement: The applicant and its attorney (David Levy) pressed for allowing BES as a conditional use in AG if standard conditions were placed in the ordinance; staff opposed that approach on the grounds that AG property owners do not typically expect larger commercial-scale uses and that the public hearing afforded by a special permit is appropriate. Levy told the commission developers would accept many of the conditions but preferred a conditional-use path in AG to streamline approvals.

Next steps: Because this item is a zoning text amendment, the commission's action is a recommendation to the City Council. The council will receive the commission's recommendation and may adopt, amend or reject the ordinance.

Votes at a glance: Planning commission recommendation to the City Council: approve planning department alternative text amendment (6 yes, 0 no).","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Lincoln - Lancaster County Planning Commission June 11, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Lincoln-Lancaster Planning Commission on June 11 recommended a change to the municipal code defining battery energy storage systems as a new land use and approved safety and siting conditions that will require special permits in agricultural zones and conditional approvals in select commercial and industrial districts.","taxTitle","Lancaster County, Nebraska","taxId",2555,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6647804,"Planning commission votes 5-1 to send Rentschler property rezoning to council amid Cheney SID concerns",2882,11130000,14012000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3806111-30e76d1c793204d8cb835e05d498dbd1&start=11130&end=14012","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3806111-30e76d1c793204d8cb835e05d498dbd1/thumbnail_11130000.jpg","/articles/6647804/Lancaster-County/Nebraska/Planning-commission-votes-5-1-to-send-Rentschler-property-rezoning-to-council-amid-Cheney-SID-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6647804-d3022652b2d60a302e8dadefe5b8b65a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771091206&Signature=UgEtjjZqAzX1Ce1ylPMs93X01yGHOZqTa5xfgCOSZHCBeuaC-ZCW1nZv~MJrf2mCLjg6RtwraUeGB-E62k~ktiUhyKeTiVLIyWlugpStTQqW51Ya21jFXQ1UsipdfcmbQzvydZ85yTDmvFAE9fpPMiwj~70L6e0VEPBlDwv-Ay2cphTbcpe7rEAfaxUqs-rfRepNvDaai9EyhoR4MhPZ5OIgJevvew0acO0k0WxBuUET~AStVR2TuWDKybj1Neglq569fJ8WBu~QJ6dawQ1QD9YFD-muCypf2bHnaCU4w9P1iaAHPdocQofj~9p6BYAFZ8yUBLQXCO8RdB00arcS3g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lincoln-Lancaster Planning Commission voted 5-1 on June 11 to recommend that the City Council approve a change of zone from Agricultural (AG) to H3 (highway commercial) for a parcel owned by Bill and Kathleen Rentschler at the intersection of 90 First Street and Nebraska Parkway. The property is on the unincorporated Cheney area of Lancaster County and the decision follows months of discussion about whether the Cheney Sanitary Improvement District (SID) should release the land for annexation and commercial development.

Why it matters: Rezoning the Rentschler parcel would add commercial zoning to an area with nearby commercial development and arterial access, but the property sits outside Lincoln city limits and within the Cheney SID. Prior to annexation the property must be released by the SID; Cheney residents and SID board members raised concerns that detachment would reduce the SID's customer base and affect funding for wastewater infrastructure.

Planning staff recommendation and reasons for denial: Planning staff recommended denial, citing the city's long-standing policy that urban zoning and development should occur inside municipal boundaries whenever possible. As staff put it in the hearing: \"The planning department is recommending denial of this change of zone from AG, h 3, because our comprehensive plan, 1 of the primary and most important goals of this, is that commercial development, urban residential development, industrial development occur with inside the city limits of Lincoln or the other incorporated communities in Lancaster County.\"

Applicant's position: Attorney Anne Post and the Rentschlers told the commission they had made extensive efforts to secure SID detachment and to pursue annexation. Post said the location and existing roadway infrastructure make the parcel well-suited for commercial use and described prior offers to pay a detachment fee; she argued the property is \"not most cases\" and that the unusual local circumstances justify forwarding approval to council.

Public testimony: Cheney residents produced written comments and testified in opposition, saying they were worried about traffic, the adequacy of the rural road network (First Street is unimproved in places), the financial effect on the Cheney SID and the loss of community character. Several residents and SID board members told the commission they preferred that annexation and a broader conversation about the SID occur before any rezoning.

Decision and next steps: The planning commission, after public comment and deliberation, voted 5-1 to recommend approval of the change of zone; the action sends the rezoning request to the Lincoln City Council for final legislative action. The commission record documents extensive discussion of an SID detachment fee, the potential for city utilities and the feasibility of a pedestrian/trail connection under Nebraska Parkway.

Vote: Approve change of zone from AG to H3 and forward recommendation to City Council (Yes: Campbell, Cruz, Ebert, Joy, Ryman Yost; No: Rodenberg).","The planning commission recommended City Council approval of a rezoning at 90 First Street and Nebraska Parkway from Agricultural to Highway Commercial, 5-1, after months of negotiations over Cheney SID detachment, annexation prospects and trail/roadway access.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6647808,"Neighbors and developer to review drainage and cart-path changes after commission defers Highmark Estates lot addition",3711,7371000,11082000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3806111-30e76d1c793204d8cb835e05d498dbd1&start=7371&end=11082","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3806111-30e76d1c793204d8cb835e05d498dbd1/thumbnail_7371000.jpg","/articles/6647808/Lancaster-County/Nebraska/Neighbors-and-developer-to-review-drainage-and-cart-path-changes-after-commission-defers-Highmark-Estates-lot-addition","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6647808-33a75eae6d1d205449f86a330a78b3f6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771091206&Signature=A40OWEBOOxp7NU-GYVr5gJ7bo6HlGde6bfZ6uSFGyW22UnN9CfFbsP2b4sq68ifHSg3xUtLmQ0xP4POUYET4PM3ciMFyNZUSb46F5r7rLG86RXOCZCkBtPf1sRDiIyiNGwUVrrq6el6zhKNXqWwgIc6aPvTvO-SBaB4H7G2WyZkpu8ItTPgy3Z6oZWuapYtJwJqA-~hHqOTf0h0pcxpid~gxE8EEKW0~0Zso2iMrSbtVQqvkrPVA6aZcMBkDbYzF~JPiQf-LgPjN-8jONVpuhX2~j0xV6fP7x885heXFXm1NvKyl67G7i5~GCkjcZbo3FeGdR~zFpj6ZjbCacCrc4Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lincoln-Lancaster Planning Commission continued the public hearing on an amendment to the Highmark Estates community unit plan that would convert two golf-course outlots into nine single-family lots. Commissioners voted to defer the matter for four weeks to allow the applicant to submit an updated grading and drainage plan and for additional neighborhood review.

Why it matters: The Highmark Estates proposal would reduce a portion of the existing golf course to create four lots on Highmark Lane and five on South 80th Street. Neighbors raised concerns that changes to cart paths and the golf-course layout could alter drainage patterns and increase runoff to adjacent yards; several residents said historic drainage problems already exist behind some townhomes.

What staff and the applicant said: Planning staff said the lots meet R-3 lot standards and that revised grading and drainage information should be submitted for Watershed Management review; staff recommended approval subject to an updated drainage plan and stormwater-quality requirements. Applicant representatives said the new lots are part of an infill strategy and emphasized that the development would tie into existing detention and stormwater facilities.

Neighborhood concerns: Multiple residents from abutting townhome neighborhoods testified in opposition or asked for stronger mitigation. Concerns included inadequate prior notice to all affected townhouse owners of the informational meeting, existing backyard flooding in townhomes near the proposed lots, the condition of golf-course cart paths, and requests for landscaping, berms or tree buffers adjacent to new lots. Neighbors asked for a commitment that new cart paths be paved and that berms and plantings be used to separate back yards from new development.

Decision: The commission voted to continue the hearing for four weeks to give Watershed Management time to review a revised grading and drainage plan and to let neighbors and the applicant continue talks. Motion carried 6-0.

Quote: Planning staff summarized policy context: \"The comprehensive plan does support the redevelopment of areas designated for green space when appropriate,\" a point staff used to frame infill as an accepted objective while requiring technical safeguards.

Next steps: Applicant to submit a revised grading and drainage plan; Watershed Management and LTU to review; neighborhood outreach suggested. The commission will reconvene the hearing after the four-week deferral.","The commission continued the public hearing for a Highmark Estates community-unit-plan amendment that would convert part of the golf course into nine single-family lots; commissioners asked for a revised grading/drainage plan and more neighborhood input and deferred the item four weeks.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6647813,"Planning commission delays vote on People City Mission expansion to resolve floodplain, traffic and loading concerns",2103,4577000,6680000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3806111-30e76d1c793204d8cb835e05d498dbd1&start=4577&end=6680","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3806111-30e76d1c793204d8cb835e05d498dbd1/thumbnail_4577000.jpg","/articles/6647813/Lancaster-County/Nebraska/Planning-commission-delays-vote-on-People-City-Mission-expansion-to-resolve-floodplain-traffic-and-loading-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6647813-0cc4e4b2e223c310ce62bb1fc12d9eb7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771091206&Signature=R6w6rfqfqpmOboJqBt5LOEmzIFMQX~p~FwtdxYQzjUwfMH5FqgGHmPJxhMaVguAStf-b2sD3WQ-fCzVVznhZhl8gCkwbzVmgk7TtB~Sbv3imAPi2CMrxC1BiZVlBzmZP9ZLBitgC3W6EeUeR3Dd6YsYBmB4pKNsJXlPXqRqBV9vGsDSDpBIwLbG3lF1Wp-jbRGsdyQLbZiMSz5qbCK6GsGh4GF5YGtwl2yqJRD9BCGBrWY-iNzsQgI1DVvuz7m~y3BwA4JnhuKPgHQ14nW4oIDiDF55w9iwkDdqy8yBnMgRHnpOJtENd2hf2cMpUQOLFZE0gIjRHh2Xzfa7YUvqEvg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lincoln-Lancaster Planning Commission on June 11 continued the public hearing on a proposed amendment to People City Mission's existing special permit to expand its campus and add a 69,000-square-foot women-and-children facility. Commissioners voted to continue the hearing for two weeks to allow more detailed grading and watershed review and to resolve outstanding traffic and loading-dock questions.

Why it matters: People City Mission is Lincoln's largest homeless services campus. The project would add beds and program space for women and children and allow repurposing of the existing building for expanded men's services. The site sits largely within a mapped floodplain and immediately abuts a public street (Q Street) that currently functions as campus circulation.

What staff said: Planning Department staff presented the amendment and noted much of the proposed expansion area is in floodplain. Watershed Management has been reviewing allowable fill and required conservation easements. Staff recommended conditional approval tied to watershed and grading conditions and standard permitting review.

Applicant presentation and community issues: Tim Gergen and Jeff Chadwick of Clark & Anderson described a two-story, 69,000-square-foot addition and sitework that would raise the facility and parking out of the floodplain and provide fenced courtyards, a gym/chapel and new loading access. Applicant representatives asked the commission to reconsider or soften a condition (condition 1.4) that requires the applicant to \"revise the loading area and pedestrian crossing on Q Street to the satisfaction of LTU (Lincoln Transportation & Utilities).\" The applicant said the project and campus circulation will rely on a midblock pedestrian connection across Q Street and an angled loading dock that routes trucks to the First Street signal; LTU staff had raised safety and right-of-way concerns about that arrangement.

Watershed, floodplain and traffic concerns: Staff emphasized the unresolved watershed grading and floodplain conservation easement issues and said LTU staff should review any midblock crossing and truck maneuvers because the loading movements could conflict with pedestrians if not configured carefully. The applicant agreed to develop a revised grading/drainage submittal and asked for time to work with LTU on the crosswalk/loading layout.

Decision: Because the public hearing had been closed, the commission reopened it and voted to continue the hearing for two weeks to allow staff and the applicant to resolve the watershed/grading submittal and to have LTU review the proposed midblock pedestrian crossing and loading-dock arrangements. The motion carried 6-0.

Quote: Pastor Tom Barber, People City Mission, explained the program need: \"We started in 1907. ... We're out of space. ... This winter had 430 folks there in cubby holes. I had women and babies on mats on the floor. ... We are out of space.\" That testimony framed the applicant's urgency.

Next steps: The applicant will submit a revised grading and drainage plan to Watershed Management for review; the applicant and LTU will work on a pedestrian/loading configuration; the commission will reconvene the hearing in two weeks.","The commission continued the public hearing for an amendment to People City Mission's special permit and a proposed 69,000-square-foot women-and-children shelter for two weeks so staff, Watershed Management and the applicant can resolve grading, floodplain and Q Street truck/pedestrian issues.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6647799,"Commission approves small zone change and use-permit amendment for South 30th Street site",309,7807000,8116000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3806111-30e76d1c793204d8cb835e05d498dbd1&start=7807&end=8116","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3806111-30e76d1c793204d8cb835e05d498dbd1/thumbnail_7807000.jpg","/articles/6647799/Lancaster-County/Nebraska/Commission-approves-small-zone-change-and-use-permit-amendment-for-South-30th-Street-site","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6647799-436f6e74bc45be3031ccb3f5d313662c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771091206&Signature=lf9~GwSpvRDT~MPAmfbCZci9sMyWY4-ep2f9J68WVuA82SipO~1AODWr79lFGPa7XrW75Nr0KepZZBrsC4qs~LPgYkmbkPsAvnj-xu9Wnh~TMJe4P4reGaPZp8ZLpTfYQhobDj5LPn~vPmxlIeNiV8h4kTVVnyE7lH5nv9CHUx3vOBtdjh5tiXnRnmZzw0fE6u5CfG1PoObr-YLkyfcAhdCCBcoMv2-J9WnKFbK~ihEnbg81Y3lNmciLtyPvpdsORY8n4PhnOkIrmnI-b5zEJyndfNbKNyundRXC7kitn8Bp2ukF11-nlYZWHaB6B6CnchHYNjTL8H6O-C7ENYz0MA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lincoln-Lancaster Planning Commission voted to approve change of zone 25011, rezoning roughly 0.32 acres from O2 Suburban Office to O3 Office, and to approve an amendment to Use Permit 55 (use permit 55a) that adds three parcels at approximately 2221 and 2231 South 30th Street into the existing use-permit area.

Why it matters: The applicant told the commission the move aligns zoning with existing development patterns and eliminates restrictive off-street parking minimums that made redevelopment of compact urban lots difficult. Planning staff said the change supports the City of Lincoln's comprehensive plan by encouraging infill on streets already served by infrastructure.

What happened at the hearing: Planning staff outlined the request and recommended approval. Applicant Joe Renteria, who owns the parcels, summarized the request briefly and told the commission the site \"is located on a dead end\" (2231 South 30th Street) and that the zoning change would bring zoning and standards into alignment with surrounding parcels. No speakers testified in opposition. The commission approved the rezoning and the use-permit amendment in succession.

Votes: Change of zone 25011 approved; Use Permit 55a amendment approved (votes recorded in meeting minutes).","The commission approved a change of zone from O2 to O3 and an amendment to Use Permit 55 to add three parcels at 2221 and 2231 South 30th Street, a move applicants said will improve design and parking flexibility for future infill uses.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Planning commission backs new rules for battery energy storage, recommends special permits in agricultural zones

Planning commission votes 5-1 to send Rentschler property rezoning to council amid Cheney SID concerns

Neighbors and developer to review drainage and cart-path changes after commission defers Highmark Estates lot addition

Planning commission delays vote on People City Mission expansion to resolve floodplain, traffic and loading concerns

Commission approves small zone change and use-permit amendment for South 30th Street site