Zoning official: county issues floodway violations, hears plans for 170-MW battery and other solar projects

Beth, a Stephenson County zoning official, told the Planning & Development Committee that the office deposited $5,795.55 in April and that April was a busy month for permits, zoning verifications and enforcement actions.

Beth said the office met with Harrison Street Solar Company about the construction of Zimmerman South, also called Freeport Fairview Solar 1, and that Mission Clean Energy is proposing a 170-megawatt battery energy storage system on Lancaster Road that would occupy about 17 acres. The official said the county also met with Zach Holy Cross of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers to coordinate local contracting on upcoming solar and storage builds.

On enforcement, Beth said two ponds located in a mapped floodway were found without appropriate county or state permits and that the landowner received a violation letter; the zoning official said the county will charge a minimum $750 violation fee and that additional fines may follow. Beth said there is a separate violation involving an underpermitted shipping container in the mapped floodway.

“Anything that is done, I can't say this enough now. So if you see anything going on and you think it's in the mapped floodway, even if it's by a creek, let me know,” Beth said. The official also said a new state law requires permits for more types of work and that the county must remain compliant with the National Flood Insurance Program to avoid consequences.

Beth reported that five letters of violation were sent in April and that the office closed several cases; she said the county uses outside counsel for legal questions and a hearing officer billed when hearings occur.

The committee did not take formal action on any project during the meeting; zoning staff reported ongoing coordination with developers and unions and said permit requirements and enforcement remain priorities.