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Halifax County approves zoning changes to allow utility-scale battery storage subject to CUP
Summary
The Board amended the zoning ordinance to add utility-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems as a conditional use, passing the measure 6-2 with Supervisors Pete Riddle and Keith McDowell opposed.
The Halifax County Board of Supervisors voted to amend Chapter 53 of the zoning ordinance to add utility-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) as a permitted use subject to a Conditional Use Permit, following Planning Commission recommendation and a joint public hearing at which staff recorded no public comments.
Vice Chair Robbie Smart moved approval of the ordinance language and the companion resolution; the motion passed 6-2 (Nays: Supervisor Pete Riddle and Supervisor Keith McDowell). County planning staff said the change was necessary to comply with recently enacted state legislation and to establish local permitting standards for BESS installations.
Board members who opposed the measure did not propose an alternative text at the meeting; supporters noted the amendment provides a regulatory framework for review and conditions where such facilities are proposed. Planning staff will finalize ordinance language and implement procedures for Conditional Use Permit application review under the amended code.
