This item was approved by City Council on September 25, 2025
Requested Action
A Text Amendment to Chapter 111, Unified Land Development Code (ULDC) of the Baytown Code of Ordinances to revise Sections 2.31, 2.34, and 7.25, for updates regarding Battery Energy Storage Systems.
Applicants
The City of Baytown
Background
The City Council adopted a new Unified Land Development Code (ULDC) on September 12, 2024, with an effective date of January 1, 2025. This new ULDC includes several newly contemplated land uses, which include Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and are permitted in the Light Industrial and Heavy Industrial zoning districts and are permitted in the General Commercial (GC) and Freeway Commercial (FC) districts with a Special Use Permit (SUP). This new regulation has presented challenges in that a rezone to GC or FC to allow such a facility is not desirable because of more intense uses that would be allowed, but the BESS use itself may be acceptable because of its low impact on neighboring properties. The current regulation introduces unnecessary uncertainty and confusion into a new process, making it difficult for potential applicants and for City decision-makers.
Typical ULDC Text Amendment Process
Application is submitted
No external applicants
Application is advertised
The ULDC Text Amendment is advertised in accordance with state and local requirements. This typically includes creating a project Newsflash on the City's website and advertising it in the newspaper.
Public Hearing and Recommendation
Planning and Zoning Commission holds a Public Hearing and votes on a recommendation to City Council. Anyone can sign up to speak at the Public Hearing.
Final Public Hearing & Action
City Council holds the final Public Hearing and votes the final decision. Anyone can sign up to speak at the Public Hearing. This is the final step.
Contact Project Manager
Martin Scribner
Director, Planning and Development Services, City of Baytown
Phone: 281-420-6544
Email Martin Scribner