Will County Board approves solar facility permit despite New Lenox opposition

The Will County Board convened on May 15, 2025, to discuss several key issues, with a significant focus on a proposed special use permit for a solar energy facility. This discussion comes amid opposition from the Village of New Lenox, which has raised concerns regarding the alignment of the project with its comprehensive plan that designates the area for future residential use.

A representative for the solar facility argued that the county's zoning authority takes precedence over the village's planning authority, as the parcel in question is located in unincorporated Will County and is zoned for agricultural use. According to Illinois law, commercial solar energy facilities are permitted on agriculturally zoned land, and the representative emphasized that the village lacks the legal grounds to object to the special use application. The representative pointed out that any residential development would require annexation to the village, which is contingent upon the landowner's consent.

The board was reminded that their role was to evaluate whether the solar facility meets the mandatory requirements set forth in the county's solar ordinance. The representative asserted that the project had undergone extensive evaluation and outreach, meeting all necessary standards as confirmed by Will County's Land Use Staff. This included a thorough review process that is distinct from standard special use permitting, specifically tailored for solar projects to ensure public safety and compatibility with surrounding properties.

In addition to the solar facility discussion, the meeting included other agenda items, though the solar project dominated the conversation due to its potential implications for land use and energy development in the region. The board's decision on the special use permit will be pivotal, not only for the future of the solar facility but also for the broader conversation about renewable energy initiatives in Will County.

As the board prepares to make its decision, the outcome will likely reflect the ongoing tension between local municipal planning and county-level zoning authority, setting a precedent for future developments in the area. The board's next steps will be closely watched by both supporters and opponents of the solar project, as the implications extend beyond this single application to the future of energy policy and land use in Will County.