[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6241091,"mediaKeyId","3310091-4e2c6d72fcb1bbffe1a0749386eea8e2","parentId",3310091,"title","Council considers special-use requirement for standalone electric-vehicle charging stations","audioSeconds",85,"startMs",1968000,"endMs",2053000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3310091-4e2c6d72fcb1bbffe1a0749386eea8e2&start=1968&end=2053","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3310091-4e2c6d72fcb1bbffe1a0749386eea8e2/thumbnail_1968000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6241091/South-Beloit/Winnebago-County/Illinois/Council-considers-special-use-requirement-for-standalone-electric-vehicle-charging-stations","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6241091-7a385b8f0c259a22c614d12b67ee7959/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195188&Signature=fXto0BtRWSEOGKEaV3X8zWwUHVjFnAe5OxFpgNJ9Gzg9RVjGrY-I4bs8w8OCSEIrPEvRkR5AeIi5nAgMhu9zhn99RIJx368L7DIFn9GNv8mqt1y9EI7CB3C2dwZlcBZ~5K4Hq1-JU4DGm1JTbViNRPMNm0qaeL3ruGzbUd1vYdbjdWNQRrWwADmStvBm5ggq60WJB2MvMLxfYROoVcTXnVcvhLG8h2mlKJY8BsM9RZ7nO0N8NH-LfXqfpovWFut9~iaW2MFv4KKB8wb9TN7ITGs5a4g1poVYZFBfx~fEzBHvgU8Oex2UNvPkTI3zR6tvsTaYQWE-1yoD-nN463MUnA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of South Beloit, IL","date","2025-05-15T02:40:50Z","article","City staff presented an amendment to Chapter 118 (zoning) on April 21 that would require a special-use permit for electric-vehicle (EV) charging stations that are standalone structures or accessory buildings, while EV chargers accessory to an existing primary business (for example, chargers in regular parking at a grocery or gas station) would generally not need a special-use permit.

Staff explained the distinction: chargers that are merely accessory to the primary commercial use and located in existing parking stalls typically fall under permitted uses tied to the primary business; however, a new structure built to house charging equipment or an independent charging facility would trigger a special-use review. The proposed change was presented for council consideration; the council did not record a final vote on the item during the discussion captured in the meeting transcript.

Why it matters: the ordinance would clarify permitting expectations for businesses and developers adding EV infrastructure and help the city apply consistent review standards to standalone charging facilities versus accessory chargers in existing lots.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","4 21 2025 South Beloit City Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Councilors discussed Ordinance 28-45 to require a special-use permit for standalone or accessory structures built for electric-vehicle charging; staff said chargers that are accessory to an existing primary business typically would not require a special use, while a new standalone structure would.","taxTitle","South Beloit, Winnebago County, Illinois","taxId",52026,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6241096,"South Beloit reviews draft rental registry ordinance; registration due Jan. 1, 2026, with $100 late fee",209,2821000,3030000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3310091-4e2c6d72fcb1bbffe1a0749386eea8e2&start=2821&end=3030","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3310091-4e2c6d72fcb1bbffe1a0749386eea8e2/thumbnail_2821000.jpg","/articles/6241096/South-Beloit/Winnebago-County/Illinois/South-Beloit-reviews-draft-rental-registry-ordinance-registration-due-Jan-1-2026-with-100-late-fee","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6241096-f137bf1cb10c3b5b750eef4e637f4cbc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195188&Signature=hvsLcguE2TrnT41ptsUC2ZNKl7iILxBmLGpAnNNKyTEBspJ6ANBPYXOrY2gm52kFt4LicF3Yg-RQtH8-sFC2y8mnM1YHYi90NB5esTj~d0XcQ7i4on~8MG5-vIUNwN-BZaTVx9WGI7F3T2puVDX1JhaaDcJKP5-U1Z1SWqkqjqMjq4g~eaXGVR-UQfR-4eKJDNM2PB2H0nqpVpCucE8nnKaQAt~f44cvFw2ukZuEQk1iVJpNTNtHfafwgAVM4PX2wJp20RclvKR35DuBAeCzmCRwZO8zNLqAqYFZbYcJ40stYJ8o5ivQHWuSp4wfIK30umCAq~jcEUZfGnhBMNQFQQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff presented a draft rental registry ordinance to the council on April 21 that would require property owners to register rental units with the city beginning Jan. 1, 2026. The ordinance as drafted would not impose an annual registration fee but would assess a $100 late fee for applications not submitted by January 1 each year.

The draft application would require the property address, the number of rental units, the owner’s name and contact information, and—for business-entity owners—the name and contact information for a natural person controlling the property. If a local agent manages the property, the application would require the agent’s mailing and physical addresses, email and phone number. The ordinance also includes sample lease language requiring tenants and owners to comply with South Beloit’s property maintenance, nuisance and crime-free housing ordinances; staff said the lease certification language was included after discussion with local rental-association representatives.

Council discussion split. Supporters said the registry would help staff reach absentee landlords to resolve code violations more quickly; critics argued the city should first use existing tools—such as utility or sewer billing data—before adopting a new registration program. Staff noted the draft is for council review and would return on a meeting agenda for potential adoption if the council directs.

Why it matters: proponents contend a registry will speed code enforcement and nuisance response by providing current contact information; opponents warned of overreach and suggested targeted enforcement of known problem properties instead of a universal registry.","City staff presented a draft rental registration ordinance requiring owners to register rental properties by Jan. 1, 2026, listing owner and local agent contact information and a certification that leases include crime-free lease language; some council members argued the city should better use existing enforcement tools before new registration.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6241101,"South Beloit council limits commercial feather-flag displays to 30 days for new businesses",510,1473000,1983000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3310091-4e2c6d72fcb1bbffe1a0749386eea8e2&start=1473&end=1983","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3310091-4e2c6d72fcb1bbffe1a0749386eea8e2/thumbnail_1473000.jpg","/articles/6241101/South-Beloit/Winnebago-County/Illinois/South-Beloit-council-limits-commercial-feather-flag-displays-to-30-days-for-new-businesses","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6241101-78d3ba11b184845081e2744bf39d5c93/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195188&Signature=UX-jGhKl4SDZmWGns~FuVn1EEgCqfOGb06I0M7QCSUbdtg0tokqmVrWISjeCCiRRg5txdhdGWUucDZCQxtu~nuC3e7K0n~KPwKn4aTUrQ3~CV-xnQEPAsAOrwByKWawTLBU4JuY8PIHI2Gg1tbEscBrFX6jIkpqKD-V8re85lVkeHsMlwgHbmieBnirYOv-jvmaWnT2jmRFvRGObDCqUzx0OsUfrvfpMEj715-ARFE~27uKhixlIP0icesI-ebgUD0iWaZkdbISQPlr3H-R~iqe5UMBdV8UMbn1vQnjx6YZNdrt7Z6KhINoJJJeADpg-bRshnYJ-hvCBuKNYKbxBGw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Council on April 21 advanced an amendment to the zoning code to prohibit most commercial feather flags while providing a 30-day temporary display allowance for new businesses that obtain an approved temporary sign permit.

City staff told the council the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) considered the issue multiple times and recommended a 30-day allowance because enforcement problems had arisen when flags remained on private property or in the public right of way. Under the ordinance language before the council, the 30-day period begins when the temporary sign permit is approved; the allowance applies only to bona fide new businesses, not to advertising existing apartments, bars or changes of name.

Council members debated the appropriate length of the permit, with several members arguing for longer windows of 60 or 90 days. The mayor and staff emphasized the ZBA-origin requirement for zoning text amendments and recommended adopting the ZBA’s 30-day recommendation as a benchmark; the council recorded a split vote in the meeting discussion.

Why it matters: the ordinance seeks to balance business visibility for new commercial entrants with concerns about visual blight and enforcement workload when flags are not removed. The ZBA and council concluded that a shorter, enforceable period will be easier to monitor and can be revisited if compliance improves.","After repeated review by the Zoning Board of Appeals, the City Council adopted an amendment that generally prohibits commercial feather flags but allows new businesses a 30-day display period with an approved temporary sign permit; council members debated longer periods and enforcement challenges.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6241106,"Appellate court upholds $8 million fines and demolition order in South Beloit case against New Chapter Group",44,894000,938000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3310091-4e2c6d72fcb1bbffe1a0749386eea8e2&start=894&end=938","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3310091-4e2c6d72fcb1bbffe1a0749386eea8e2/thumbnail_894000.jpg","/articles/6241106/South-Beloit/Winnebago-County/Illinois/Appellate-court-upholds-8-million-fines-and-demolition-order-in-South-Beloit-case-against-New-Chapter-Group","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6241106-b440fba2b783ed0d0ab9ec9783711293/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195188&Signature=mHlg95US4YmGSlfiy~KCSjhQIZ-8DhRNCC-zPv4xRt73HgO9piDBZilpZkPELYWkbxl1bmR7ACalJ-XpOuhZVc5s7jxhVtb-20PEPOS0auy9vTlbBITAdUjLstB77GcgPeO9CPVfS~qKonQPjvtCJ6xJylrZpiLS647i3N5sqTpfu5Gx0nvZFPd9ADxVgE73Su~VjXa0qWViTrmEeOEajHiLws6C7Y49MI8giAYnqaMW0hxWDWuyWGpPZ1kMAGDa90JNdpJGCS0JLcxfdXbIOmoO0REGvab2-R9nssqXpi8SQWcOIa1gYXuO7NLQJXpABz44SKiMREqAZnQhbuxziQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fourth District Appellate Court on Thursday unanimously upheld a lower-court judgment in City of South Beloit v. New Chapter Group, affirming $8,000,000 in fines awarded to the city and the lower court’s demolition order for the property at 200 Dearborn.

City Attorney staff announced the opinion to the City Council at its April 21 meeting and said the appellants retain the option to seek review from the Illinois Supreme Court. Mayor Tom Fitzgerald told the council the ruling was \"excellent,\" and staff said the city will follow the appellate opinion while monitoring the possibility of further appeal.

The decision confirms the trial court’s penalties and the demolition ruling as applied to the parcel identified in the litigation. City officials said the ruling could still be appealed to the Illinois Supreme Court, which would be the next procedural step for New Chapter Group should it choose to continue the case.

Why it matters: the ruling affirms significant financial penalties and an enforcement path the city has pursued against a private property owner, and it preserves the lower court’s demolition remedy for the property at 200 Dearborn. City staff did not provide additional details about timing for enforcement steps or any bond or stay pending a potential Supreme Court petition during the meeting.","The Illinois Fourth District Appellate Court unanimously affirmed a lower-court judgment awarding $8,000,000 in fines to the City of South Beloit and upholding a demolition order for the property at 200 Dearborn; the city said the opinion can be appealed to the Illinois Supreme Court.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council considers special-use requirement for standalone electric-vehicle charging stations

South Beloit reviews draft rental registry ordinance; registration due Jan. 1, 2026, with $100 late fee

South Beloit council limits commercial feather-flag displays to 30 days for new businesses

Appellate court upholds $8 million fines and demolition order in South Beloit case against New Chapter Group