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County to allow battery storage as accessory to approved solar projects, staff says
Summary
A companion law would require Fairfax County to permit battery energy storage systems as an accessory use to solar power facilities approved by special exception when the battery's capacity is less than or equal to the principal solar facility; staff plans to add the allowance and criteria to the zoning ordinance.
Staff said one bill requires localities to allow battery energy storage systems as an accessory use to solar power facilities that have been approved by special exception, provided the battery's storage capacity is less than or equal to the principal solar facility.
"It says that the locality must allow battery energy storage systems that meet certain criteria as a permitted accessory use without having to go through an amendment of the special exception or any other public, you know, public hearing processes," Gastro said. He emphasized the accessory allowance applies only when the battery's capacity does not exceed the linked solar facility and only for projects already approved by special exception.
Staff will include the accessory-use language and the associated criteria in the draft ordinance to align with state law.
