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VA HB891

Bill

Status

Enrolled

3/11/2026

Primary Sponsor

Irene Shin

Click for details

Origin

House of Delegates

2026 Regular Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Battery energy storage projects are automatically permitted as accessory uses on parcels with approved solar facility special exceptions, without requiring separate zoning approval or special use permits
  • Storage projects must be located within the boundaries of the existing approved solar facility parcel and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local safety, fire, and environmental codes
  • Existing payment obligations, financial commitments, and tax exemptions tied to the approved solar project remain unchanged and do not apply to the added battery storage project
  • Host localities retain authority to enforce safety codes and ensure safe battery storage operation, while developers may still voluntarily negotiate siting agreements
  • Projects with interconnection requests filed before July 1, 2030 will be subject to local ordinances in effect on July 1, 2026

Legislative Description

Siting of battery energy storage projects; commercial solar photovoltaic generation facilities, etc.

Last Action

Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026

3/14/2026

Committee Referrals

Local Government2/6/2026
Counties, Cities and Towns: Subcommittee #11/28/2026
Counties, Cities and Towns1/13/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available