Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Setbacks topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Proposed 5,000-foot setback for battery storage alarms local officials
Summary
A proposed text amendment would require a 5,000-foot setback from public roads and property lines for battery storage; commissioners warned that requirement could prevent battery installations at a previously approved solar site on Route 616.
At the joint hearing, Committee member (speaker 6) drew attention to a specific setback in the draft ordinance, quoting the proposed language: "all battery storage facilities shall maintain a minimum of 5,000 foot setback on public roads and property line." The member said the requirement could exclude installations at a solar facility on Route 616 that was approved prior to the current ordinance.
Board members and staff discussed that the Route 616 project was approved before the current county provisions and may not meet the proposed setback. Staff clarified that only italicized or newly inserted language in the draft would change existing code and that the ordinance is intended to protect the county by ensuring future battery installations meet the newly specified setbacks and safety requirements. One member summarized the trade-off plainly: "If you don't adopt this ordinance, then we won't have any of this," meaning the county would lack the local rules to require the setbacks.
Commissioners noted the proposal could force developers to acquire additional property or locate battery storage elsewhere if they cannot meet the 5,000-foot standard, and they agreed to proceed with the text in order to retain regulatory control under the upcoming state law.
