The Pulaski County Board of Commissioners voted to direct the Area Planning Commission (APC) to take a detailed look at battery energy storage systems (BESS), including draft Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) language, design and operation standards, setbacks, heights, safety certification, fencing, lighting and noise levels.
The directive matters because battery energy storage installations raise design, safety and land-use questions that local ordinances frequently address, and the APC’s review could lead to recommended ordinance changes or a moratorium if standards are not in place.
Commissioners recommended that the APC study UDO language used by White, Jasper and Warren counties as models, review design and operation standards (including undergrounding utilities, signage, security fencing and noise limits) and meet multiple times per month to expedite the work. Commissioner comments referenced previous discussions of moratoriums and proposed that the APC be given a clear charge to produce language and process recommendations.
The motion to direct APC was made, seconded and approved on a voice vote; the item will return to the commissioners after APC review.