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Planning commission recommends zoning rules to allow battery energy storage systems
Summary
After a staff presentation on benefits and risks, the Planning Commission voted to recommend a zoning amendment to establish battery energy storage systems as an allowable use; the motion passed with two commissioners opposed and several expressing concern about multiple anticipated applications.
The Charlotte County Planning Commission voted June 26 to recommend a zoning ordinance amendment that would establish battery energy storage systems (BESS) as an allowable land use and provide regulatory guidance.
Staff provided a presentation explaining the ordinance’s regulatory highlights, the review timeline, and the issues the draft ordinance would address, including safety, siting and operational provisions. Commissioner Belinda Strom said she was concerned about advancing the ordinance given that the county might receive multiple applications for battery systems and urged caution about permitting a flood of proposals.
After the public hearing was adjourned, Commissioner Kerwin Kunath moved and Richard Vaughan seconded a motion to recommend approval of the zoning amendment as presented. The motion carried on a roll-call vote: Kerwin Kunath — Yes; Richard Vaughan — Yes; David Watkins — Yes; Miller Adams — No; Belinda Strom — No; Eugene Wells — Yes; Curtis Morton — Yes; Andrew Carwile — Yes; Chairman James Benn — Yes.
The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded for any required subsequent action and the staff-recommended regulatory conditions will be part of the record for final consideration.
