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Board makes data-center zoning a special-use and adopts 2025 official zoning map; related text-amendment draft tabled
Summary
Trustees approved an ordinance requiring special-use approval for data centers and adopted the village's official 2025 zoning map; separate proposed text-amendment changes to initiation procedures were tabled for revision after trustees requested language alignment between map and text amendment sections.
The Village of Homer Glen Board of Trustees voted to require special-use approval for data centers and adopted the village's official 2025 zoning map. A related draft ordinance that would change how text and map amendments are initiated was sent back to staff for revision.
The data-center amendment (identified on the agenda as HG2502A) changes the zoning code to make data centers a special-use, rather than a by-right use within the zoning code. "The ordinance amendment seeks to introduce additional oversight for the data centers within the village by changing their classification from a by right use to requiring a special use permit," Trustee MacNaughton said during the discussion.
Trustees expressed reasons for the change that included visual, noise and electromagnetic concerns and the need for additional review before allowing such facilities. Trustee Fialco said the extra layer of oversight was appropriate because of neighborhood and siting impacts. The ordinance passed on roll call; one trustee abstained during the vote.
Separately, the board approved the official 2025 zoning map, which trustees said is an annual statutory requirement. Trustee Reinders cited the state statute outlining the annual map adoption requirement, referencing 65 ILCS 5/11-13 through 19, and noted the map must be adopted and published by March 31.
The board also considered a draft text amendment to chapter 220 (agenda item L3) that would modify the initiation process for map and text amendments. Trustee Consolino and others asked staff to make initiation language consistent between map and text amendment sections; the trustees moved to table the item so staff and counsel could revise the redline to match the board’s intent.
Why it matters: Reclassifying data centers as a special-use subjects future proposals to additional public review and conditions, and adopting the official zoning map fulfills a statutory requirement for municipal planning and land-use record-keeping.
Outcome: Data-center ordinance approved (special-use requirement). Official 2025 zoning map adopted. Text-amendment ordinance (process language) tabled for revision.
