If Leon County is going to host large-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS), hyperscale data centers, or major solar projects, one thing must be non-negotiable:
Developers must prove compliance with nationally recognized fire and life-safety standards before approvals, abatements, or construction proceed.
These standards already exist. The question is whether Leon County will require them.
This post provides:
- The specific national fire codes that apply to BESS and data centers
- Direct links so anyone can verify them
- A practical explanation of how enforcement works in rural counties
- A clarification of misinformation being spread about fire codes and small businesses
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
NFPA 855 — Installation of Stationary Energy Storage Systems
NFPA 855 is the primary U.S. standard written specifically for stationary energy storage systems, including lithium-ion BESS.
It covers:
- Fire detection and suppression
- Thermal runaway mitigation
- Separation distances and setbacks
- Ventilation and gas detection
- Emergency shutdown systems
- Emergency response planning and coordination
Links:
- https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/nfpa-855-standard-development/855
- https://www.nfpa.org/product/nfpa-855-standard/p0855code
- https://link.nfpa.org/all-publications/855/2023
International Fire Code (IFC) — Energy Storage Systems
The International Fire Code contains dedicated sections governing stationary energy storage systems.
Links:
- https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IFC2024V1.0/chapter-12-energy-systems
- https://codes.iccsafe.org/s/IFC2024P1/chapter-12-energy-systems/IFC2024P1-Pt03-Ch12-Sec1207.3.1
These provisions reference NFPA 855 and establish siting, separation, access, and suppression requirements.
UL 9540 — Energy Storage Systems and Equipment
UL 9540 is a system-level safety standard evaluating the energy storage system as a whole.
Links:
- https://www.ul.com/services/energy-storage-system-testing-and-certification
- https://www.shopulstandards.com/ProductDetail.aspx?productId=UL9540_3_S_20230628
UL 9540A — Thermal Runaway Fire Propagation Test Method
UL 9540A evaluates how a battery system behaves during thermal runaway and whether fire spreads between cells, modules, or containers.
Link:
Hyperscale Data Centers
Data centers are evaluated under fire and life-safety standards that specifically address information technology equipment and high-energy electrical installations.
NFPA 75 — Fire Protection of Information Technology Equipment
Links:
- https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/nfpa-75-standard-development/75
- https://www.nfpa.org/product/nfpa-75-standard/p0075code
- https://link.nfpa.org/all-publications/75/2024
NFPA 75 covers detection, suppression, separation, and protection of IT equipment spaces.
International Fire Code (IFC) — General Fire and Life Safety
IFC provisions govern:
- Fire suppression systems
- Fire alarm and detection
- Fire apparatus access and staging
- Hydrants and water supply
- Emergency planning
(See IFC links above.)
Why This Matters in Leon County
Leon County relies exclusively on volunteer fire departments.
Industrial-scale battery fires and large electrical facility incidents:
- Burn hotter and longer
- Can release toxic gases
- Often require specialized suppression systems
- May require evacuation zones
If a county lacks specialized industrial fire resources, it becomes more important, not less, to require proof of compliance before construction begins.
Clearing Up Misinformation About “Fire Codes Applying to Every Business”
County officials have suggested that if Leon County adopts or references fire codes, then every small business (hardware stores, restaurants, retail shops) would suddenly be burdened with new industrial-level compliance requirements.
That framing is misleading.
Fire codes are hazard- and occupancy-based
Fire codes are organized by:
- Occupancy type
- Use category
- Hazard classification
A taco shop is not regulated the same way as a lithium-ion battery facility.
Counties can apply standards by project type
Leon County can require:
- NFPA 855 for BESS
- IFC ESS provisions for energy storage
- NFPA 75 and IFC provisions for data centers
Only for high-risk industrial projects, as a condition of permits, abatements, or development agreements.
This does not impose industrial standards on small businesses.
Small businesses already follow fire safety rules
Restaurants already comply with hood suppression and egress requirements.
Retail buildings already comply with electrical and occupancy rules.
Requiring national fire-code compliance for BESS and data centers does not change that.
Plain-language truth
Requiring national fire codes for industrial energy facilities does not mean every local business must meet industrial energy standards.
What Leon County Can Require Today
Without adopting a blanket countywide fire code, Leon County can require:
- Documented NFPA 855 compliance (BESS)
- IFC compliance for energy systems
- UL 9540 listing and UL 9540A test results
- Site-specific emergency response and evacuation plans
- Proof that developers pay for specialized review, equipment, and training
Bottom Line
The standards already exist.
The only real question is whether Leon County will require developers to follow them before projects move forward.
Public safety should come before profit.