Gratiot County planning commission backs sending draft battery energy storage ordinance to county board after public hearing

The Gratiot County Planning Commission on a vote recommended the county board consider a draft ordinance regulating battery energy storage systems after a public hearing that included safety concerns from residents and technical explanation from consultants.

The action was taken after the commission opened a public hearing on the draft BESS ordinance and heard remarks from residents and Spicer Group consultants who helped draft the language. The commission voted to forward the recommended ordinance to the Gratiot County Board of Commissioners for its public hearing and potential adoption; the motion was made by Dave and supported by Rob and was carried by the commission.

The draft ordinance establishes safety and siting standards for BESS projects proposed within the six townships zoned by the county. Cindy, a Spicer Group consultant, read the draft’s safety provisions into the record, saying applicants must include a detailed safety plan with a preliminary design addressing fire prevention, explosion control and temperature control; safety systems such as hazard and explosion detection; bollards to prevent vehicle impacts; an emergency operations plan and orientation for the Gratiot Emergency Services Authority and other responders; maintained emergency access (including snow removal); ANSI-compliant signage with hazardous-contents information for responders; and a security fence meeting National Electrical Code and zoning ordinance requirements. Cindy also said the planning commission “may require as a condition of the special use permit” that an applicant provide funding for special firefighting equipment for the Gratiot Emergency Services Authority.

The draft sets setback minimums the commission described as more restrictive than state standards. Mike Daley Martin of Spicer Group compared Gratiot County’s draft to the state law referenced in the meeting (PA 233 / PA 2 33) and said the county’s draft would require 400 feet from occupied community buildings and dwellings on nonparticipating properties (versus 300 feet in the state standard), a 100-foot setback from nonparticipating property lines (versus 50 feet in the state standard), and a 100-foot setback from public rights-of-way (state: 50 feet). Spicer Group staff said the setback is measured from the battery storage components and that fencing and landscaping may be located within setback areas.

Residents at the hearing urged caution. Sheila (public commenter) asked the commission to delay finalizing the recommendation until the county had independent fire-safety review and asked that the Spicer Group clarify how it separates its roles when it both writes ordinances and conducts later project reviews. Sheila told the commission, “These lithium ion battery plants are dangerous if they catch fire,” and asked for third-party engineering reviews and more engagement with fire experts. Kayla, another resident, urged thorough review and said she would submit additional materials for the record. Barbara Willard raised separate concerns about nearby solar projects affecting hunting, property values and quality of life.

Staff and consultants responded to process questions. Deandra (county staff) said no BESS project applications had been received to date and explained the ordinance-adoption process: the planning commission holds one public hearing and issues a recommendation to the county board, which then holds its own public hearing before adopting or denying an ordinance. Deandra said required public notices are posted on the county website, onsite, and in the Gratiot County Herald and that the commission can share notices with affected townships. The commission noted that, if the county board approves an ordinance, any proposed BESS project would still require a special-use application, a site-plan review, and public notice to property owners within 300 feet of the proposed site.

Commissioners and consultants also discussed mitigation measures that would be available at the special-use stage. Cindy and Mike said the special-use review is where the county can require additional conditions (for example, additional landscaping, repowering plans or other site-specific measures) beyond the ordinance’s minimums. The Spicer Group consultants said they would evaluate site plans against the ordinance and identify items that do not meet requirements.

After public comment and discussion, the commission voted to forward the draft ordinance and the record of public comment to the Gratiot County Board of Commissioners for their public hearing and decision. The planning commission chair said she expects the county board might schedule its hearing for the March 18 meeting, but that the board could set a different date and would publish notice in the Gratiot County Herald.

The planning commission’s recommendation does not authorize construction; it would only provide local ordinance language and guidance to be applied if a BESS special-use application is later submitted.