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Larchmont board adopts local law to regulate large battery storage units, cites safety concerns
Summary
After a public hearing and adoption of a negative declaration, the board adopted a local law regulating large battery energy storage systems, citing fire-safety advice from the fire chief; the law is intended not to affect household chargers.
The Village of Larchmont Board of Trustees on Monday adopted a local law amending the village code to regulate large battery energy storage systems following a public hearing and the adoption of a negative environmental declaration.
Mayor introduced the item, saying the law is “aimed at much larger storage units” and “should not impact your ability to have . . . a Tesla charger in your garage.” The mayor said most recommendations in the draft law came from the fire chief, citing safety concerns because large battery systems can be prone to fires.
During the meeting the village attorney assisted in placing the negative declaration on the record; the board moved to adopt the negative declaration and then moved to adopt the proposed local law. The motions were seconded and approved by voice vote.
The measure is framed as a safety-focused regulation aimed at larger commercial or utility-scale installations rather than private, in-garage charging equipment. The meeting record does not include a line-by-line reading of the law or an announced effective date; staff indicated the board declared itself lead agency for the environmental review.
