Dawson County tables proposed battery storage and storage-container zoning changes

The Dawson County Board of Commissioners heard public testimony June 1 on proposed amendments to the county Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Regulations that would add rules for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), revise storage-container standards and make other clarifications. The board opened the hearing at 9:23 a.m. and closed it at 9:44 a.m., then tabled the matter to Planning & Zoning for further consideration; no definitive action was taken.

Mark Christiansen, Dawson County Zoning Administrator, and other elected officials discussed changes largely focused on storage container regulations. The record notes that the discussion centered on clarifying language and addressing issues raised by Planning & Zoning; the board did not adopt the proposed changes and directed staff to return the proposals to Planning & Zoning for revisions (Resolution 2026-18 remains under review).

The matter affects county land-use rules for emerging energy infrastructure and for how storage containers are sited and regulated. Because BESS projects can raise questions about setbacks, decommissioning, fire and safety protocols and local permitting, commissioners said Planning & Zoning should refine the proposals before the board considers adoption. The board recorded no final vote on the proposals and provided no new statutory citations at the hearing.

The board’s next procedural step is a return to Planning & Zoning for further drafting and review; no timeline for resubmission was stated in the meeting minutes.