Floyd County commission begins process to draft BESS zoning rules as moratorium remains

The Floyd County Planning and Zoning Commission on April 13 began a multi-step process to amend the county zoning ordinance to allow Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), with a moratorium on development still in place while the county drafts rules and educational outreach.

John Robbins of the North Iowa Area Council of Governments (NIACOG) asked the commission for input on public engagement and technical safeguards and provided a template ordinance as a starting point. Robbins said he added language addressing setbacks from occupied buildings and decommissioning requirements and that the draft could be modified by the commission.

Zoning Administrator Jessy Willadsen reported the Board of Supervisors has contracted NIACOG for assistance and confirmed a moratorium currently restricts BESS development; meeting participants believed the moratorium would expire in August but noted it could be extended if needed.

Commissioners and staff discussed a range of educational activities to inform the public and decision-makers, including a panel of county engineers, conservation officials, airport managers and zoning administrators; Robbins also described a NIACC/Iowa State University Extension workshop that will cover both solar and battery topics. Members expressed interest in recording educational sessions for posting on the county website and in holding a public listening post.

Several commissioners suggested visiting an existing BESS site so members could see operations and safety measures firsthand. Robbins noted no specific nearby facilities were identified and that Alliant Energy is discussing a project in Kossuth County. Commissioners emphasized that any site visit with a majority of members would need to be properly posted so the public understands the purpose and participation.

Safety, emergency response and environmental concerns were central to the discussion. Candi Brandau Larson urged input from Mason City HAZMAT personnel, including Aaron Beemer, and noted local fire officials such as Sam Deverell are increasing their familiarity with BESS issues. Commissioners and staff discussed containment of potential releases, lithium-ion chemistry as the common battery type, and the role of the National Fire Protection Association in developing related standards.

Commissioners also raised environmental questions including sinkholes and local geology; Robbins suggested consulting the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the Iowa Geological Survey and watershed experts as part of the educational phase.

Robbins said he would incorporate the commission’s feedback and work with Zoning Administrator Jessy Willadsen to prepare materials for the next meeting. The record shows a June 1, 2026 meeting at 9:00 a.m. was scheduled but later canceled in favor of organizing a site visit and a panel of zoning administrators and other officials. The commission did not take formal regulatory action at this meeting; it established process steps and identified topics for follow-up.