Zoning staff told the Planning, Environment and Development Committee on Nov. 4 that eight items are on the upcoming Zoning Board of Appeals docket, including three proposed solar farms and several renewal and variance applications. The solar sites named in the preliminary staff summary are in Johnsburg, on Walkup Road (near Crystal Lake Road), and out near Hemingston and McHugh Roads.

Adam, the zoning staff presenter, said annexation efforts and timing questions remain for some projects and that details were still coming. "There seem to be some details coming in," Adam said, noting the potential for annexation to affect jurisdiction and permitting timetables.

The committee also heard a legislative update from Alicia, a staff legislative lead, who described changes to state law. Alicia said House Bill 4116s language was carried forward into a final vehicle, Senate Bill 25, and that the enacted approach appears to establish a state-level appeals route: "there is going to be a zoning board of appeals at the state level run by the Illinois Commerce Commission," Alicia said, adding that the Commission would develop rules for how it reviews local decisions. She cautioned that the bill had not yet been signed into law at the time of the meeting and that details of implementation remain to be developed by the Illinois Commerce Commission and reviewed by the county state's attorney.

Several committee members expressed concern about whether the change would reduce local control. Committee member Jim Kearns criticized the shift, saying it would further limit county authority and voiced strong opposition to what he described as the state increasingly preempting local decision-making. Other members urged patience while the state's attorneys office reviews the statute and guidance.

Members discussed the municipal annexation process and the existing state statute that gives municipalities planning authority within a mile-and-a-half of their borders; several members noted that municipal controls can already influence whether a solar project proceeds in practice. Adam and staff encouraged the committee to await formal rules and further legal analysis before taking a policy position.

No formal vote was taken on the legislation at the Nov. 4 meeting. Staff said further updates would be provided as the county attorney and staff digest the bills final text and associated rules.