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Mesa advances two battery energy storage zoning items after debate over 400‑ vs. 1,000‑foot separations
Summary
Council introduced two of four proposed battery energy storage system (BES) zoning measures after residents and industry representatives offered competing safety and development views; staff and the fire marshal said permitting will require decommissioning plans and NFPA 855‑based setbacks for equipment.
Mesa City Council on Dec. 1 moved forward with introduction of two zoning measures governing battery energy storage systems (BES), while deferring immediate action on two companion ordinances amid sharp public comment over how far the facilities should sit from homes.
Supporters from the renewable‑energy industry urged narrower separation distances to avoid hindering grid reliability and jobs. Jeff Crockett, an attorney and Mesa resident, asked the council to set the BES items for a vote Dec. 8 so the city could resolve separation requirements after more discussion. Court Rich of the Rose Law Group, representing AIPA Power, thanked staff and the fire department for what he called a stringent, workable ordinance and urged approval.
Opponents and some residents raised safety, noise and environmental concerns. Mary Mabenow, who lives off Ricker and Round Road, warned a permissive accessory use threshold could place large systems near neighborhoods and described…
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