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Planning Commission Recommends Zoning Text for Battery Energy Storage; Board Questions 600 kWh Threshold and Setbacks
Summary
Fauquier County planning staff and the planning commission recommended a zoning text amendment to regulate battery energy storage systems with a tiered approach and safety standards; the board discussed the 600 kilowatt‑hour threshold for tiers and setbacks, and noted industry feedback from Eastpointe Energy and Dominion.
Fauquier County planning staff presented a proposed zoning ordinance text amendment April 10 to establish a new use category and standards for battery energy storage systems (BESS).
The planning commission unanimously recommended the ordinance after review of comments from industry stakeholders and comparisons with other jurisdictions. The recommended approach uses a two‑tier system: Tier 1 for aggregate energy capacity less than or equal to 600 kilowatt‑hours (typically accessory systems for residential or commercial uses) permitted by right in all districts; Tier 2 for systems greater than 600 kWh, considered utility‑scale and allowed only by special exception with a comprehensive plan compliance review in specified districts…
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