Planning commission opens public hearing on battery storage ordinance; tables proposal for work session
Applicants presented a draft ordinance to regulate battery energy storage systems (BESS) in Surry County, proposing definitions, setbacks (200 ft AR; 75 ft M1/M2), vegetation screening, minimum 8‑foot fencing, a 20‑foot cleared combustible zone, and a 72 dBA noise standard. After technical Q&A the commission voted to table the ordinance and hold a work session.
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The Surry County Planning Commission heard a detailed applicant‑initiated draft ordinance to add battery energy storage systems (BESS) to county zoning regulations and then voted to table the matter for a work session to refine language. The draft would add new definitions and use standards, allow BESS in AR, M1 and M2 districts by conditional use permit, set AR setbacks at 200 feet and M1/M2 setbacks at 75 feet, require vegetation screening and a minimum 8‑foot fence, and mandate a 20‑foot zone cleared of combustible vegetation adjacent to the battery system.
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