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Code enforcement urges planning board to consider rules for battery energy storage systems
Summary
The town's code enforcement officer reported regional training on battery energy storage systems and recommended the board consider local ordinance or zoning guidance for outdoor battery installations, citing fire-separation and protection concerns.
Code enforcement officer Adams briefed the planning board on recent regional training about battery energy storage systems and suggested the town begin local ordinance work to ensure safe siting and separation standards.
Adams described how systems range from small consumer batteries to large "battery farms" and said local code practice is still evolving for outdoor installations because of separation and fire-protection needs. "I thought that it might be something that what they wanna consider starting to look at sooner rather than later," Adams said, urging the board to consider a local outline for regulation. Staff referenced a Department of Energy Resources handbook for a model local ordinance that municipalities can adapt.
Why it matters: Large outdoor battery installations raise fire and environmental concerns and have been subject to state and federal review at certain scales. Local zoning and permitting procedures influence whether and how such systems may be sited within town boundaries.
What’s next: The board asked staff to collect relevant guidance and the referenced handbook so planners and board members can consider local standards in a future meeting.
