Planning commission backs larger setbacks for battery energy storage systems

The Marshall County Planning Commission on March 26 recommended that county commissioners increase the required setback for battery energy storage systems to 1,320 feet (a quarter mile) from residences, aligning the setback with an existing animal-agriculture (chicken barn) standard. Planning staff said the county commissioners asked for the change and staff and the Technical Review Committee recommended a favorable recommendation.

Staff explained that the earlier draft used 1,000 feet but the county commissioners moved to adopt the 1,320-foot standard. Commissioners and staff discussed whether the measurement should be building-to-building or property-line-to-property-line; staff said the draft will clarify that the measurement is from the property line (consistent with the county's preference).

There were no public speakers at the planning hearing. A motion to forward the amendment with the clarified setback language passed; the planning commission's recommendation will be considered by the county commissioners, who have the final authority to adopt or modify the ordinance.