The Burke County Board of Commissioners approved the first reading of an ordinance to regulate battery energy storage systems in the county, sending the measure toward a final vote at a future meeting.

Planning staff and the planning commission developed the draft ordinance after several work sessions and a public hearing. The ordinance would allow battery storage systems in agricultural and industrial zones, make them a conditional use in agriculture, and establish site design standards including setbacks, buffers, fencing, bonding for decommissioning, and emergency‑response protocols. The draft also provides rules for where standalone battery facilities could be sited and directs coordination with the county emergency management authority.

Commissioners noted they had discussed community concerns — including sound, sight and general solar/energy development — and that the planning commission’s draft addressed those questions. The ordinance would allow some facilities outright in heavy industrial zones but require conditional‑use review in agricultural and light industrial zones. Planning staff said a developer would typically return to the planning commission and the board for conditional‑use approval and any required rezoning.

Commissioner Bridal moved to approve the ordinance’s first reading; Commissioner Kelly seconded. The measure will appear on the November agenda for final adoption and additional review.