LaPorte County Board of Zoning Appeals August 18, 2026

The LaPorte County Board of Zoning Appeals held a meeting on August 18, 2026, primarily to consider a special exception petition from Bluestem Solar Farm LLC to construct and operate a 55-megawatt battery energy storage system (BESS) on agricultural land in Kiki Township. The petitioner presented detailed information on the project, including safety measures, compliance with Indiana Department of Homeland Security permitting, fire safety protocols, and economic benefits. Public concerns focused on health and safety risks related to battery fires, emergency response capabilities, and environmental impacts. The board discussed conditions related to landscaping, noise mitigation, lighting, enforcement, and emergency management. After extensive deliberation and public input, the board voted to table the petition to allow time for further review and feedback from local emergency services and to permit the petitioner to address additional conditions. The meeting also included approvals of variances for accessory structures and property parceling unrelated to the BESS project.