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Board moves to start text amendment to permit temporary meteorological towers in agricultural zoning
Summary
Iroquois County officials voted to begin a text amendment allowing temporary met towers as a permitted/conditional use in agricultural zones to streamline permitting for short-term wind or research towers, with limits, fees and safety conditions discussed.
The Iroquois County Board approved initiation of a zoning text amendment to allow temporary meteorological (met) towers as a permitted or conditional use in agricultural districts, aiming to simplify permitting for short-term towers used to evaluate wind and other site conditions.
Committee members said the county’s current process requires applicants to proceed through the Zoning Board of Appeals for temporary towers, while many other counties allow a planning/permit-level approval. The proposed amendment would allow a simpler permit process, including an annual fee and limits on how long towers may remain on a site.
At the meeting, county officials described typical tower characteristics: many are self-contained, under 200 feet, and do not require extensive guy wires; they often include solar panels and sensors to measure wind and other conditions. The proposed permit would require site plans and, where cranes or heavy equipment are used, a plan for crane operations.
The board discussed an annual fee proposal of $5,000 per tower and the possibility that permanent projects would still require a full conditional-use or permitting review. Members emphasized the temporary nature of the towers and discussed standard safety and decommissioning requirements.
The board voted to initiate the text-amendment process and directed staff to draft specific language and permit conditions for future public hearings.
