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Planning commission forwards battery energy storage regulations to city council
Summary
Commissioners voted unanimously to forward UDO text amendments that define small-scale (<=60 kW) and large-scale battery energy storage, add permitted-use entries across zones, and set a 300‑foot setback for large-scale installations from adjacent residentially occupied buildings; the changes clarify 'essential service' treatment for utility substation‑coincident systems.
HOLLAND — The Holland planning commission on June 9 voted to forward proposed Unified Development Ordinance amendments governing battery energy storage systems (BESS) to city council for consideration.
Staff (Steve) said the proposal adds a two-tier approach: small-scale battery storage (defined at 60 kilowatts or less) would be allowed as an accessory use across zoning districts with limits similar to other small utility structures, while large-scale accessory uses would need special-land-use approval in commercial and higher-density zoning and a standalone large-scale BESS would only be permitted in industrial zones. "We were thinking that those sorts of large‑scale something over the 60 kilowatt would be allowed in our commercial zoning districts and even our high‑density residential as accessory uses," Steve said while explaining the zoning table changes.
The draft amendments also add a 300‑foot setback requirement for large‑scale BESS measured from any residentially occupied building on an adjacent property, and clarify that battery installations operated in conjunction with a utility substation for offsite grid purposes may be treated as an essential service (which the UDO permits in all zoning districts). Staff said they had coordinated language with the Board of Public Works (BPW) and were trying to align the local regulations with relevant state public‑act requirements that limit local authority in certain utility applications.
A commissioner moved to forward the text amendments to city council for adoption; the motion passed with no recorded opposition. Staff noted the regulation set is intentionally conservative on setbacks and accessory thresholds to balance local siting authority with state law and essential‑service protections for utility operators. The matter now proceeds to the city council for public hearing and final action.
