Title
Resolution directing the Lake County Zoning Board of Appeals to conduct a public hearing on proposed text amendments to Chapter 151 of the Lake County, Illinois, Code of Ordinances relating to sustainable energy facilities in unincorporated Lake County.
Staff Summary
* To further new climate goals set forth in the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), a state law was passed on January 27, 2023, which prescribes county regulations for new commercial solar and wind facilities and mandates county adoption of such regulations within 120 days.
* In light of this statutory deadline, to minimize delay in considering regulations for unincorporated Lake County, the attached County Board resolution directs the Zoning Board of Appeals to conduct a public hearing upon staff's completion of corresponding draft amendments.
* A resolution has been prepared for County Board action directing the Zoning Board of Appeals to conduct a public hearing on the proposed amendments.
Body
RESOLUTION
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 102-1123, effective January 27, 2023, prescribes county regulations for new commercial wind and solar facilities throughout the State of Illinois, and sets a 120-day deadline for county adoption of corresponding regulations; and
WHEREAS, there is a timely need to update and adopt corresponding regulations for unincorporated Lake County to comply with the statute; and
WHEREAS, the Planning, Building and Development Department will draft proposed amendments to the text of the Lake County Code of Ordinances related to solar and wind energy facilities as necessary to align with statutory requirements and will subm...
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