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McLean County board approves special use for solar farm, presses for battery fire safeguards
Summary
After debate over fire‑suppression standards and a statutory 30‑day decision clock, the McLean County Board approved a special use for a Tanda Renewables commercial solar facility and battery energy storage system in Blue Mountain Township, adding expectations that applicants follow International Fire Code and coordinate with the local fire district.
The McLean County Board voted to approve a special use permit for Tanda Renewables LLC to build a commercial solar energy generating facility and associated battery energy storage system (BESS) on parcel 166400‑001 in Blue Mountain Township after prolonged discussion about fire safety and statutory timing.
Land Use and Transportation Committee Chair Leah Klein introduced the case (SU2605) and moved to advance the item; Member Bessler seconded. Several board members flagged concerns about whether remanding the application back to the Zoning Board of Appeals would restart the statute's 30‑day decision window from the zoning hearing conclusion. County counsel advised the clock began when the zoning hearing concluded on April 7, making May 7 the 30‑day deadline for a county decision.
That timing pushed the board to consider adding stipulations rather than sending the application back to the ZBA. Member Friedrich and others asked for more detail about fire hazards and runoff; another member warned that republishing for a remand would likely prevent an expedited ZBA meeting.
A prominent topic was BESS fire suppression. A board member explained that different battery chemistries require different suppression methods and that rural volunteer fire departments may face challenges responding to thermal‑runaway incidents. "There's been some confusion as to fire control for different battery technologies ... different batteries require different methods of treatment," the member said, arguing for clarification to help fire protection districts.
The applicant's representative, Mr. Dick, said the company had met with the Blue Mound Volunteer Fire Department and submitted a 75‑page safety plan for the BESS. Staff confirmed that, before a building permit is issued, the applicant must show further coordination with the responding fire district and meet applicable codes.
Members noted the inclusion of a stipulation requiring design and installation to comply with the International Fire Code, the National Electric Code, and relevant UL standards for battery systems. That language, several members said, was intended to allow the county to rely on current national standards rather than continually updating local code language.
After the discussion, the motion to approve the special use with the stipulations advanced and passed by voice vote with one recorded opposition. The board did not remand the application to the ZBA, and staff noted additional permitting steps and local fire‑district coordination will be required before construction and building permits can proceed.
The board's action reflects a balance between meeting the statutory decision deadline and requiring applicants to document coordination with local emergency responders and adherence to recognized fire and electrical standards.
