Lansing Will Consider Zoning Variance for Battery Site
The city zoning board will review a request for a 10-foot tall acoustical fence at a new 5-megawatt battery site.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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On October 14, 2026, Jerry Smith LLC will appear before the Lansing Zoning Board of Appeals to request a variance for a project at 339 Jerry Smith Rd. The developer seeks permission to install a 10-foot tall acoustical fence to support a new 5-megawatt battery energy storage system.
Why it matters
The variance is necessary because the proposed barrier height exceeds the local zoning limit of 6 feet. The fence is intended to provide noise mitigation and site security for the Tesla battery units, which stand 9 feet and 2 inches tall.
The proposed site at 339 Jerry Smith Rd. utilizes Tesla battery units measuring 9 feet and 2 inches in height. The project is designed for an output capacity of 5 megawatts.
The players
Jerry Smith LLC
This developer is responsible for the proposal of a 5-megawatt battery storage facility located at 339 Jerry Smith Rd.
Lansing Zoning Board of Appeals
This municipal body is responsible for reviewing and deciding on zoning variance requests within the city.
The details
The project uses acoustical buffering material constructed as a fence to mitigate noise produced by the energy storage system. Developers have submitted the formal application for an area variance to ensure the infrastructure meets site requirements while adhering to municipal oversight.
Timeline
October 14, 2026: Jerry Smith LLC will appear before the zoning board.
Late October 2026: The application will proceed through the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Roadmap
This project highlights the growing integration of large-scale battery energy storage systems into urban infrastructure landscapes. It reflects the broader industry trend of balancing grid-scale energy needs with local municipal land-use regulations.
Residents near the 339 Jerry Smith Rd. site may see changes to the visual landscape if the variance for the 10-foot fence is approved. The installation aims to manage noise levels from the energy storage system to minimize disruptions to the immediate area.
The takeaway
Zoning boards frequently serve as the final arbiter for infrastructure projects that require height or land-use exceptions. Homeowners and local stakeholders should monitor public meetings to stay informed on how utility projects impact their specific neighborhood standards.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest industry trends in Electric Vehicles.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Tompkins Weekly.
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Should local zoning boards grant variances for renewable energy infrastructure that exceeds current height limits?
