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Commission recommends ordinance clarifying helipads not allowed in residential zones
Summary
Kane County Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of Ordinance O‑2025‑02 to clarify that helipads and helicopter landings are not permitted in residential zones; staff said the change codifies an existing restriction.
The Kane County Planning and Zoning Commission on Feb. 12, 2025 voted to forward Ordinance O‑2025‑02 to the Kane County Commission. The ordinance amends Chapter 6 (residential zones) of the county land‑use code to state explicitly that helipads and helicopter landings are not allowed in residential zones.
County staff explained the change as a clarification rather than a new prohibition. Shannon told commissioners that helipads are not listed among allowed uses in the residential chapter and so have not been permitted. The proposed ordinance places an explicit "not allowed" marker in the code to reduce confusion and repeated inquiries from residents.
Staff cited three recent complaints about helicopters landing near homes (including nighttime landings and lighting) and an instance in which an interested party retained an attorney asserting that landings were permitted unless expressly prohibited. Shannon and county counsel recommended the clarification to prevent further ambiguity.
After a brief public hearing with no speakers, the commission moved, seconded and voted to recommend approval. The planning commission's recommendation will go to the county commission for final action.
