Identify the land and the proposed use
Include the county or city and a road or street address. A parcel number is helpful for undeveloped land. Describe how the land is used today and whether all or only part could be considered.
If access depends on crossing another property, mention it. A visible track is not enough to explain the rights to use it. Share any written access records you have rather than assuming they cover construction or project vehicles.
Know which reviews are being discussed
Virginia DEQ publishes energy storage permit-by-rule resources for facilities within its program. The resources distinguish project categories and provide different checklists. DEQ also notes that other permits may be needed.
Ask the developer to identify the applicable DEQ, local and State Corporation Commission review steps for the proposal. The utility connection is another part of the review. Do not treat a single filing or authorization as proof that all of these issues are settled.
Reference: Virginia DEQ: energy storage permit-by-rule resources · Virginia SCC: utility regulation
Describe slopes, water and access early
Tell us about steep areas, streams, wet ground and the road entrance if you know them. You do not need an engineering report to begin. These details help focus a later site review on the area that could actually be used.
Ask for the proposed equipment area, drainage plan and access route on a drawing. If you have homes, farm uses or commercial activity nearby, include them in the discussion before agreeing to reserve the land.
Want to ask about your land?
Send the location and what you know. You don’t need a project plan.
Tell us about your landAsk what happens during an option period
An option gives the developer time to investigate the property. Ask what work it can do, who repairs any damage and how long the period can continue. Find out whether extensions require your agreement or are already included in the document.
Ask when operating payments would begin and what happens if the project is not approved or cannot connect at an acceptable cost. If the agreement affects a larger area while the layout is being studied, ask when unused land would be released.
Send what you already know
Start with the property location and contact details. Optional information includes acreage, parcel number, lease or sale preference and a note about access. You do not need to identify the proposed equipment or calculate a project’s output.
If your main question is whether a certain part could work, describe that part. Sunland may follow up for a map and other information. Further site and project checks are needed before an agreement or construction decision.
Questions landowners ask
Does DEQ authorization replace every other approval?
No. Ask which other local, utility and state requirements apply to the proposal. DEQ’s materials note that additional permits may be needed.
Can I ask about land with no street address?
Yes. Include the nearby road, county or city, and a parcel number if available. A description of the entrance is useful too.
Should I clear or grade land before asking?
You do not need to alter the property to submit an inquiry. Start with its current condition; any proposed work needs its own plan and review.
Sources & further reading
Sources checked 2026-10-03. Local rules and program details can change. Check the requirements for the actual project.