Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Battery Energy Storage topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Palo Alto County adopts temporary moratorium on battery energy storage systems
Summary
The Palo Alto County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 10 adopted Resolution No. 2-10-2026 to impose an immediate moratorium on development, construction and permit applications for Battery Energy Storage Systems in unincorporated Palo Alto County until Feb. 1, 2027 or until an ordinance is passed.
The Palo Alto County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted Resolution No. 2-10-2026 on Feb. 10, 2026, establishing a temporary moratorium on the development and construction of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in unincorporated Palo Alto County. The resolution takes effect immediately and remains in force until Feb. 1, 2027, or until the county adopts an ordinance addressing BESS, whichever comes first.
The resolution, which cites Iowa Code Chapter 335 as the county’s zoning authority, explains the Board’s intent "to establish and impose a temporary moratorium on the development and construction of Battery Energy Storage Systems" while the Planning and Zoning Commission gathers information and coordinates with other agencies to draft an ordinance. The resolution says the county seeks to ensure safety, protect nearby property rights and safeguard county roads from impacts tied to such facilities.
County Attorney Anne Quail discussed the matter with the Board before the formal action. The motion to introduce and approve the resolution was moved by Supervisor Ron Graettinger and seconded by Supervisor Roger Faulstick; the minutes record the vote as Ayes: Faulstick, Merrill, Graettinger, Wirtz, Solberg. The resolution also states that the moratorium would prohibit construction or renovation of structures intended to be used as BESS facilities in unincorporated areas of the county.
The resolution directs the Planning and Zoning Commission to gather information and coordinate with multiple agencies for review and potential ordinance drafting. It also authorizes the Board to extend the moratorium by further resolution if an ordinance is not passed by Feb. 1, 2027.
