Greensville planners adopt tighter rules for battery storage after safety, setback debate

The Greensville County Planning Commission on Tuesday adopted zoning changes to regulate battery energy storage systems, endorsing staff recommendations that reference NFPA standards while adding local setback and buffer requirements after commissioners pressed for stronger protections.

The commission’s consultant, Michael Zayner of the Berkeley Group, told the panel the state law now requires counties to allow accessory battery storage on utility‑scale solar projects and that the draft ordinance establishes definitions, siting standards, emergency‑access rules, screening, decommissioning plans and related development standards. “The county is required to allow accessory battery energy storage as by right to any utility scale solar project that has a special exception or use permit,” Zayner said.

Dominion Energy urged the commission to rely on up‑to‑date codes rather than overly prescriptive local rules. Trey Shuford, a Dominion generation‑development manager, said industry testing, remote monitoring and engineering controls are part of how companies design containers and that corporate risk engineers review permanent water‑supply requirements. “We wanted to work with you all to ensure that you are getting the safest product,” Shuford told the commission.

Several commissioners expressed strong concern about thermal‑runaway fires, off‑site contamination and local responder readiness. Commissioner Chris Thompson said instances elsewhere show battery events can spread and release hazardous smoke, and he pressed for more conservative setbacks and vegetation buffers. “These things catch on fire — local fire departments say all they can do is watch and burn,” Thompson said, calling for larger buffers and routine independent testing of nearby wells.

Staff and the consultant said some technical requirements must track applicable codes (including NFPA 855) because the state law and national standards dictate minimums for suppression, testing and emergency‑response provisions. The final motion approved the ordinance as shown in staff materials while incorporating changes proposed by Commissioner Thompson to strengthen setbacks, add a planted buffer, and clarify decommissioning and emergency‑access expectations. The commission’s vote carried; the amended ordinance will be forwarded to the Board of Supervisors as part of the county’s zoning update.

Next steps include finalizing ordinance language consistent with NFPA references, clarifying who pays for responder training and defining any independent environmental testing schedule. The commission also invited industry representatives to host site tours and technical briefings for staff and local fire officials so officials can see operational facilities and safety systems first‑hand.