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Athens commission approves zoning rules for battery energy storage systems, 4-1
Summary
The Planning & Zoning Commission voted 4-1 on March 2 to add 'Battery Energy Storage Systems' to the zoning use chart and Appendix A, requiring a Specific Use Permit in Industrial zones; Member Von Thomas cast the lone opposing vote. A resident spoke in opposition and commissioners discussed building-code oversight.
The Athens Planning & Zoning Commission voted 4-1 March 2 to recommend text amendments to add "Battery Energy Storage Systems" (BESS) to the zoning use chart and to provide a definition in Appendix A. The proposed use chart would require a Specific Use Permit and would limit BESS to Industrial zoning.
City Planner Ronda Cockerham presented the draft amendment and explained that the use chart shown would require a Specific Use Permit for BESS and restrict siting to Industrial zoning. Member Jim Kerlin—who disclosed at the meeting's start that his employer had been previously involved with battery energy storage systems—moved to recommend approval. Member Freddie Paul seconded. The motion passed 4-1, with Member Von Thomas voting in opposition. Resident Matthew Bailey spoke in opposition during the public-comment portion.
Commissioners discussed the potential value of BESS and noted that many implementation details, including safety and technical requirements, would be addressed through building codes rather than the zoning text. The record does not specify subsequent review steps or an implementation timetable; those procedural steps typically follow the commission's recommendation.
