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Commission recommends battery-storage rules with financial assurance requirement after residents’ objections
Summary
The commission recommended supplemental regulations for battery energy storage systems in Industrial zones, requiring a specific use permit and adding a stipulation for an irrevocable letter of credit as financial assurance; the motion passed 3-1 after public opposition.
The Athens Planning & Zoning Commission on April 6 recommended approval of supplemental regulations for battery energy storage systems (BESS), proposing that BESS be allowed in Industrial zoning with a Specific Use Permit and including a new financial-assurance requirement.
Staff said the first reading of the ordinance excluded residential applications; the proposal targets Industrial zoning and would require a specific-use permit. The public hearing drew several speakers opposed to the proposal, including Charles Owens, Joel Gayton, Dana Hudson, Anne Perryman, Jordan Beckham, Samara Alsobrooks, Carissa Hunter, Leanne Embry and Paul Benson; Member Jim Kerlin also raised a conflict-of-interest issue during the discussion.
Member Kerlin moved to recommend approval with the stipulation that applicants provide an irrevocable letter of credit as part of the regulations; the motion was seconded by Chairperson Brian Schutt and passed 3-1, with Member Von Thomas recorded as voting in opposition in the minutes.
Why it matters: Battery storage installations raise concerns about long-term site responsibility and potential environmental and safety impacts; the commission’s stipulation for an irrevocable letter of credit is intended to ensure financial assurance for decommissioning or remediation costs.
What’s next: The recommendation will be forwarded to City Council for final adoption; staff will be asked to draft the specific wording for the letter-of-credit requirement.
