Title
Hold a public hearing on an amendment to Chapter 125 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of League City entitled, "Unified Development Code", creating regulations related to Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) (Director of Planning)
Background:
A public hearing is required to consider an amendment to the Unified Development Code.
Project Timeline:
March-April 2024- The Planning and Zoning Commission heard two requests for BESS systems to locate within League City.
April 23, 2024 - The City Council held a public hearing and postponed a request to approve a BESS site at the corner of FM 646 and Caroline St. (Stella). At this meeting, the City Council directed staff to create an ordinance regulating BESS sites and hold a work session on the proposed regulations.
June 11, 2024 - The City Council held a work session and directed staff to move forward with the proposed ordinance amendments.
June 17, 2024 - The Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing and made a recommendation to approve the request, 5-0-0.
June 25, 2024 - The City Council is scheduled to hold a public hearing and hear the proposed ordinance on first reading.
Over the last two years, City staff has met with numerous companies interested in developing BESS. sites within League City and its ETJ. All the facilities we have spoken with, to date, have proposed a lithium-ion battery system within a series of storage “modules” which are in a grid pattern and interlinked into one system. The proposed locations of these facilities have been near public utility substations. Currently, League City has only one, 10 MW facility, located on Floyd Road on the west side of League City.
The proposed ordinance aims to establish comprehensive regulations for the placement, construction, and operation of Battery Energy Storage Systems to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the community. The objectives include:
1. Ensuring community health, safety, and welfare.
2. Providing a regula...
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