Audubon County sets public hearing, extends temporary moratorium on utility-scale battery storage

Audubon County on Feb. 3 set a public hearing for Feb. 24 to consider extending a temporary moratorium on accepting or processing applications for utility-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). The Board of Supervisors approved a public-notice resolution at its regular meeting to allow staff and the Planning & Zoning Commission more time to gather information and coordinate with other agencies before drafting zoning standards for such facilities.

The resolution, presented by County Attorney Chris Swensen, states that Audubon County does not currently have a specific ordinance for utility-scale BESS and cites the county’s interest in protecting residents’ life, health and safety and in safeguarding infrastructure, natural resources and property rights. The public hearing is scheduled for Feb. 24, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the Audubon County Board of Supervisors Meeting Room.

Swensen told the Board the moratorium would remain in effect “until such time as the county is able to implement appropriate zoning ordinances regulating such systems,” providing a pause on new applications while regulatory work proceeds. The Board approved the resolution setting the hearing on a motion by Supervisor Don Mosinski, seconded by Chairman Kent Grabill; the minutes record the vote as "all in favor."

The resolution references Iowa Code Section 331.302 (county ordinance compilation requirement) and frames the moratorium as a temporary measure to allow coordination between the Board and Planning & Zoning. The item will return to the Board after the Feb. 24 public hearing and whatever follow-up steps staff and commissioners determine are necessary.

Next steps: public comment will be taken at the Feb. 24 hearing; the County will use the hearing record and interagency consultation to inform any draft ordinance or policy changes.