Title
Ordinance amending Chapter 151: Unified Development Ordinance of the Lake County, Illinois, Code of Ordinances relating to sustainable energy facilities in unincorporated Lake County.
Staff Summary
* The Lake County Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) conducted a public hearing on August 12, 2026, to consider proposed text amendments focused on commercial wind and solar energy facilities and energy storage systems in unincorporated Lake County and unanimously recommended approval of the proposed amendments as presented in ZBA Resolution "Exhibit A", attached.
* The proposed amendments are necessary to comply with recent regulations adopted by the state.
* The recommended amendments have been formatted into a document ready for codification as reflected in "Exhibit B". The Ordinance will become effective upon County Board adoption of "Exhibit B".
Body
ORDINANCE
WHEREAS, the Lake County Board adopted the Unified Development Ordinance of Lake County, Illinois, on April 11, 2000; and
WHEREAS, the Lake County Board incorporated the Lake County Unified Development Ordinance into the Lake County, Illinois, Code of Ordinances as Chapter 151 of the Lake County, Illinois, Code of Ordinances on February 10, 2015; and
WHEREAS, Public Act 104-0458, enacted on January 8, 2026, expands and modifies existing statutory limits on county regulations for commercial wind and solar facilities, and introduces new statutory limits on county regulations for energy storage systems throughout the State of Illinois, and mandates county adoption of corresponding regulations; and
WHEREAS, the Planning, Building, Zoning and Environment Committee was of the opinion that necessary steps should be taken by the Lake County Board to initiate the public hearing process to facilitate public engagement and evaluation of proposed amendments; and
WHEREAS, on June 9, 2026, the Lake County Board directed the Lake County Zoning Board of Appeals to conduct a public hearing upon staff's completion ...
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