Free Webinar May 13: Solar & Battery Energy Storage in Virginia - What Localities Need to Know Before July 1

Thursday, April 30, 2026/Categories: News Board

Free Webinar: May 13 | 11:00AM - Noon

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Legislation recently enacted by the General Assembly changes how Virginia localities can regulate battery energy storage systems and certain solar projects. These new laws require solar projects of one megawatt or more to be reviewed through a special use permit process consistent with specific criteria in the locality’s agricultural, commercial, industrial, and institutional zoning districts, unless such solar projects are otherwise allowed by right. The legislation also deems battery energy storage systems as permitted accessory uses on properties where solar projects are approved through a special use permit or similar approval. All localities should evaluate and update their zoning ordinances by July 1.

In this first session of Practical Law for Civic Leaders, Sands Anderson attorneys Chris Mackenzie and Max Hlavin, and guests from Berkley Group and the Virginia Association of Counties will discuss what the new laws require, what remains within local discretion, and what legislative actions make sense regardless of where your community currently stands on solar.

This Session Will Cover:

• A recap of the 2026 legislation relating to solar uses and battery energy storage.
• What the new laws mean for how ordinances and local policies address solar uses and battery energy storage, and how staff, planning commissions, and governing bodies handle solar applications.
• Where existing ordinances or practices may need to change under the new law.
• What remains unsettled and what to watch for as implementation develops.

Sands Anderson Contact: Maxwell C. Hlavin, mhlavin@sandsanderson.com