Zoning board backs text amendment to streamline temporary meteorological tower permits

The Iroquois County Zoning Board of Appeals recommended Sept. 23 that the County Board amend the county zoning ordinance to make temporary meteorological towers a permitted use in the A‑1 Agricultural District, with a three‑year limit, required setbacks and building permit requirements.

The proposed change would move temporary meteorological towers — the short‑term lattice towers used to measure wind resources — out of a special‑use review process and into a permitted use category in the agricultural district. County staff told the board the amendment is intended to make the process more efficient and reduce public‑hearing costs while preserving safety controls through setbacks and a building permit requirement.

Staff explained the core elements of the draft amendment: add a definition…