Council schedules Nov. 24 hearing to extend moratorium on large battery storage
Summary
After staff reported recent state-level safety guidance is pending, the council authorized a public hearing (Nov. 24) to consider extending a moratorium on large-scale battery energy storage systems while the city prepares a local fire-safety ordinance.
City staff reported the city's prior moratorium on large battery energy storage systems — originally enacted after a series of fires in New York State — expired on Nov. 5. Staff said the governor's office and state fire authorities are preparing additional safety controls and recommended a six-month extension while the city finalizes a locally tailored ordinance to address fire-safety compliance.
"The moratorium was in place due to several fires that have occurred in New York State and concerns raised by the governor's office and other fire departments around the state," staff said, and recommended setting a public hearing on a local law to extend the moratorium; the hearing was scheduled for Nov. 24. Council members clarified the moratorium applies to large systems and does not affect residential batteries under 80 kilowatt-hours, and staff confirmed home systems remain subject to building-permit processes.
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