At the June 10, 2025 Town Board Meeting, the Southampton Town Board voted unanimously on legislation put forth by Councilwoman Cyndi McNamara and co-sponsored by Supervisor Maria Moore, that provides clear guidance for the permitting of battery energy storage systems (BESS) in the Town of Southampton.
The new code uses a tiering system that will allow for the consideration of appropriately sized BESS facilities to be designed, located, operated, and maintained to minimize risks associated with facility equipment and fire potential. Systems over 600 kWH to a maximum of 5 MW may only be requested within Light Industrial zones as part of a Special Exeption Review by the Planning Board. Eligible parcels for systems greater than 600 kWH shall not be permitted within 300ft. (as measured property line to property line) of any parcel containing existing residential uses, zoned residential and/or occupied community buildings. To protect the health and safety of the community and prevent a dangerous BESS fire incident, BESS applications with an energy storage capacity that exceeds 600 kWh will not be permitted in any business districts.
This legislation corresponds to the findings of a select Town based BESS Steering Committee, spearheaded by Supervisor Moore and included Councilwoman McNamara, Town Planning staff, that was formed in response to public health and safety concerns expressed at many Town Board meetings, community meetings, and through correspondence.
Councilwoman McNamara stated, “I am proud of the work done by the BESS Steering Committee and believe this code can stand as a model for other local municipalities as it takes our unique environmental and geographical issues into account. From meeting with public safety officials and subject matter experts, to touring an active BESS installation on Staten Island, I did everything I could to be as involved in this process as possible.”
The Councilwoman added, “I would like to thank, Janice Scherer, Town Planning & Development Administrator, Seth Race, Town Planner and, Christine Scalera, Deputy Town Attorney, for their work on this code. I would also like to thank the residents who brought their concerns regarding BESS to the Town Board and kick started this whole process.”
Supervisor Moore stated that “This legislation is a testament to what can be accomplished when we move beyond stalemate and toward thoughtful, solutions-oriented governance. This code is the product of sustained work by the Town Board, the BESS Steering Committee, our Planning Department and our legal team. I am proud that Southampton Town can now serve as a model for other municipalities seeking to integrate battery energy storage safely and responsibly.”
