Bryan City Council Establishes New Codes for Future Battery Storage Sites – WTAW

The Bryan City Council has added zoning restrictions to the city’s zoning code to allow for the location of battery energy storage systems (BESS).

Following explanations from Councilman James Edge and Benjamin Johnson of the city’s planning department, the council unanimously approved restricting the site to industrial land.

In addition to being restricted to industrial areas, the applicant must also obtain a conditional use permit to construct and operate facilities that store and then release electricity during periods of peak demand.

The Bryan Fire Department has tried to keep battery storage sites away from commercial and residential areas, in part because of the difficulty of extinguishing battery fires and the risk of sewage discharge.

Click HERE to read and download information about the City of Bryan.

Click HERE to read and download the ordinance and Bryan City Staff Report.

Click below to listen to comments from the Bryan City Council meeting held on July 9, 2024.

Listen to “Bryan City Council Adds to City Zoning Code Where Battery Storage Systems Can Be Located” on Spreaker.