The Boone County Board on July 31 approved a special use permit for Belvedere Solar LLC to build a 25.2-megawatt solar energy development on property spanning two parcels in Caledonia Township near Illinois Route 173. The project site covers roughly 85 acres of the applicants 120-acre tract, according to planning staff.

The permit was recommended by the zoning board of appeals, which found the proposal met the countys solar and zoning code standards and adopted staffs findings of fact. At the county committee hearing and the board meeting, the developer said it had engaged local groups early, revised setbacks to address an adjacent property owners concerns and offered additional community benefits, including a $100,000 donation for agricultural preservation and a separate $50,000 pledge to the local fire district for a utility vehicle.

Project representatives told the board they met the criteria in Boone Countys solar ordinance and that the panels would be installed on land currently used as hay fields. The zoning board vote was 4–0–1 in favor of the special use, and the county board approved the measure after staff and the developer described landscaping, setback and pollinator commitments. Board members said they appreciated the developers outreach and the extra funding to the fire district; several members noted they personally dislike utility‑scale solar but had to balance local ordinance compliance and the risk of legal challenge.

Developer Ben Jacobi (representing Belvedere Solar LLC) told the board the project included commitments to pollinators and agricultural preservation and that the company had met with the adjacent landowner, Sean Gillis, to increase setbacks and landscaping in that area. Board member Tom Wahlberg and others asked the company to direct the $50,000 to the fire district upon commercial operation; the developer said he would provide a letter confirming that commitment.

Ending — With County Board approval subject to the conditions recommended by staff and the zoning board, the developer may proceed to obtain required permits such as well and septic approvals, and to finalize site plans and construction timelines.