Overview
The Board of County Commissioners adopted a 365-day moratorium on the acceptance of new Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) applications. Ordinance 639-2025 notes several unknown or poorly understood elements of developing BESS that, without properly executed permits, could create emergent situations. The ordinance gives the County 365 days to properly analyze potential impacts, life safety matters, and adopt a revised code. The moratorium was recently extended to December 7, 2026.
Project Content
On June 11, 2025, The Board of County Commissioners adopted a Moratorium on new BESS applications until proper analysis of BESS impacts and life safety matters were understood. Holding a public hearing on the moratorium is required within 60 days of June 11, 2025. The ordinance gives the County 365 days to adopt revised code. A public hearing on the moratorium is scheduled for July 14, 2025. Staff requested additional time to complete analysis, public engagement, and drafting of proposed regulations. As a result, the moratorium has been extended by 180 days to December 7, 2026.
Kitsap County DCD intends to use the time allowed by the ordinance to accomplish analysis and investigative review of several work tasks that need to be understood to responsibly permit BESS. Understanding the issues and appropriate solutions will lead to an ordinance which specifically addresses BESS installation in Kitsap County.
The workplan will assess a variety of issues including:
- Fire Safety and Emergency Response
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Environmental Impacts, including Noise
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Zoning Regulations
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Construction Standards
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Economic Impacts and Financial Sureties
