Board delays vote on battery energy storage rules, asks staff for more study
Summary
After staff presented draft regulations dividing storage into Tier 1 (≤600 kW) and Tier 2 (utility scale), the Board of Supervisors voted to defer action to the November meeting to allow more research on size limits, fire safety and application volume.
Planning staff presented detailed draft zoning regulations for battery energy storage systems, including a two‑tier approach: Tier 1 (up to 600 kW) would be permitted by right while Tier 2 (600 kWh and above) would require a conditional use permit and be restricted to industrial and agricultural districts. Staff also proposed a 5‑acre minimum lot size for stand‑alone facilities and extensive fire‑safety planning requirements.
Public commenters and several supervisors raised concerns about potential saturation of agricultural land, appropriate caps (megawatt or acreage limits), and emergency‑service impacts. Terry Ramsey urged caution and said the county should consider density limits similar to solar rules. Sandra Towne supported regulated deployment that accommodates rapidly evolving battery technology. After discussion, a motion to defer consideration until the board’s November meeting (the motion was amended from a 90‑day deferral to a specific meeting date) carried. Board members asked staff to research maximum‑size options, fire‑safety obligations, and capacity for staff to process applications before a final vote.
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