# Planning Commission 09/03/2026


**Body:** CityofSumner
**Date:** September 02, 2026
**Jurisdiction:** SLED

**Tags:** Energy & Utilities, Physical Infrastructure, Policy


The City of Sumner Planning Commission met on September 3, 2026, and held a public hearing on proposed Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) zoning-code amendments, referred to as BEST 2.0. Staff described a three-tier framework for residential, midscale, and utility-scale systems, including where each could be sited and related standards for setbacks, height, screening, noise, fire safety, decommissioning, and review for overconcentration. The proposal follows the city’s 2024 ordinance permitting a large facility already under construction; no new contract, purchase, or funding action was considered.

Public commenters raised concerns about fire and groundwater risks, buffers near residential zones, insurance and cleanup requirements, and whether the proposed restrictions would prevent additional utility-scale facilities or shift siting decisions to the state. Other commenters supported BESS for grid reliability, clean energy, and potential local tax benefits. Commissioners discussed possible refinements, including setback distances, tier definitions, and a sliding-scale cleanup assurance requirement. The hearing was closed without a decision on the amendment; staff said it would review the comments and return with possible revisions in October, with a City Council study session tentatively anticipated afterward.

**Source:** CityofSumner