Planning staff briefs board on land‑use ordinance updates, battery‑storage setback and DNR floodplain corrections

County planning staff updated the board on a comprehensive land‑use ordinance revision that includes standards for battery energy storage systems and floodplain corrections required by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Reed, planning staff, summarized the project timeline (work began in March, public comment through April 17, planning commission hearing May 21) and said the planning commission recommended adopting the ordinance as submitted but recommended that the two‑mile city‑limit setback for battery energy storage systems be handled as part of interim‑use permit review at the planning commission rather than requiring county board review.

Reed explained the setback rationale: local officials cited public‑health concerns if large battery systems ignite and release fumes, and the proposed ordinance currently requires a two‑mile setback from incorporated city limits. "A battery energy storage system needs to be 2 miles away from the city limits of an incorporated city," Reed said as he described the provision; the planning commission suggested the commission itself review setback variances during interim‑use permit decisions.

DNR corrections and FEMA alignment: planning staff said the DNR identified three items in Article 21 (floodplain ordinance) needing correction. Staff must list individual FIRM panel numbers, change an incorrect 1.5‑foot allowable floodway stage increase to the required zero increase, and update the definition of the start of construction to match FEMA requirements. Reed said those technical corrections will be made before final adoption and that staff will return with the ordinance for board action next Tuesday.

What’s next: staff will bring the revised ordinance back to the board for action; pending items include DNR‑required floodplain edits and final language clarifications related to battery energy storage setbacks and interim‑use procedures.