Kane County committee members raised concerns on Sept. 12 about how large-scale solar installations are sited and buffered, and reviewed plans to address landscape and soil-quality issues in upcoming planning work.
Members said that some developer proposals lack adequate soil restoration and landscape buffering. One committee member said sites built on construction debris have poor soils that support only weeds, and urged clearer rules on how much topsoil or black dirt should be returned after installation.
Staff noted a planning packet for the development committee meeting next Tuesday that includes a detailed presentation on landscape-buffer requirements and suggested the county move from reacting to solar proposals toward a proactive, consistent approach. Staff said that if done well, county zoning could be a model for other places.
Committee members asked staff to review the packet and provide input; staff said the planning presentation would address landscape buffer standards and other zoning details.