Title
Presentation of 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 related to new commercial solar and wind facilities.
• In response, at the direction of the Lake County Board, the Lake County Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) conducted a public hearing on April 3, 2023, to consider draft amendments to establish new commercial solar and wind energy system use categories and corresponding standards. Additional amendments include revisions to the site plan review procedures, accessory use standards, and landscape requirements. Upon conclusion of the hearing, the ZBA unanimously recommended adoption of the amendments with limited recommended edits, attached as “Exhibit A".
• Action is required by the Lake County Board to adopt amendments that are in compliance with recent regulations adopted by the state within 120 days.