Lee County residents press zoning office over vehicle, junk enforcement and fines

At a Lee County committee meeting on Sept. 9, 2025, four residents criticized county zoning enforcement, saying notices and fines have been issued with little warning and that communication from zoning staff has been inconsistent. The speakers said the enforcement has affected farmers, elderly homeowners and out-of-state property owners.

The concerns were raised during the meeting’s public-comment period. “A lot of residents in the county have had issues with the zoning and being zoned AG‑1,” said Kevin Kliefisch, a resident. He told the committee he believes the zoning office is “pushing an agenda” instead of working with the community and cited a rule he said applies under Illinois law: “you are only legally allowed to sell and or scrap 3 vehicles in your own name.”

The comments focused on how notices were delivered and enforced. “I was told I needed to remove three items every two weeks. Otherwise, I would be fined daily ranging from $5.50 to $500 a day per incident,” said Corey Kohler, a property owner who lives out of state. Kohler said he was later told the fines would increase to $750 a day starting in July and that the zoning officer required VIN‑level proof of large items removed and ongoing photo documentation.

Kevin Kohler, another resident, described an interaction at the zoning office: “Within 30 seconds, I was told that I had a poor attitude and to leave this office.” Sally Rankin, a local business owner, said cleanup is appropriate where a hazard exists but added, “I don't think it's anybody's right to come in and say, this is what you can have and this is what you can't have,” noting farm equipment is not used daily and can be difficult to shelter.

Committee Chair Jack (last name not specified in the record) reminded speakers that the items raised were not on the committee’s agenda and that the committee could not take votes on them at that meeting. “None of the topic that you have is on our agenda, so we're not allowed to really vote on anything that you guys have talked about,” he said, and asked residents to stay tuned as “there is some discussion going on behind the scenes.”

The public commenters asked for clearer guidance on who may represent an out‑of‑state property owner, the timetable and basis for escalating fines, and more consistent communication from zoning staff. The committee did not take formal action on those requests at the meeting.

The committee chair invited residents to return to a future meeting for follow‑up and said staff are discussing the issues raised.