Planning commission opens public hearing on battery storage ordinance; tables proposal for work session

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.

Scott Foster (applicant representative) explained the ordinance was modeled on language used in other Virginia localities and on the county’s solar ordinance. Foster said the draft includes application requirements, a provision for community meetings, performance and safety standards, and bonding/decommissioning requirements similar to solar. He noted BESS projects often locate adjacent to substations to minimize interconnection costs and that an emergency response plan and fire department coordination are key parts of site approval.

Commissioners raised multiple technical concerns at the public hearing, including the proposed 72 dBA noise limit, how far inverters and thermal management systems will operate, buffer and screening design, inspection and long‑term monitoring, and whether the county has staff expertise to review technical compliance. The commission heard from staff and a fire protection expert about NFPA standards and mitigation options.

After discussion the commission voted to table PC ordinance amendment 2024‑04 and directed staff to schedule a work session and subcommittee review so drafters can incorporate commissioner feedback and return with recommended changes. The county attorney warned that any substantive post‑hearing edits could require re‑advertising and a second public hearing under Virginia law.