Geneva amends zoning to regulate non‑residential solar; developer schedules community meeting

The Geneva City Council on Jan. 5 adopted Ordinance 2026‑01, amending the city zoning code to establish standards and processes for non‑residential solar facilities.

City Administrator introduced the measure as a response to the code’s lack of non‑residential solar language and said the ordinance will ‘‘establish and codify terms, regulations, and processes’’ for such facilities. Director De Groot answered council questions and staff recommended approving the amendment as revised in written council questions. The ordinance was placed on the floor by Pesci, seconded by Malachy, and the council approved the amended ordinance by roll call (10‑0).

Why it matters: Geneva’s ordinance creates a regulatory framework for community and commercial solar projects and makes clear how developers can seek permits or special‑use approvals. The change opens a formal path for proposals on vacant industrial parcels within city limits.

Developer outreach: Forrest Hough of 1 Energy Renewables, the applicant referenced during public comment, invited residents and council members to a community meeting on Feb. 9 at the Geneva Public Library to answer questions about a proposed community solar project on a vacant 13‑acre industrial parcel on Fabian Parkway. Hough said the meeting will be an open house from 5 to 7 p.m. to discuss the potential special‑use permitting under the new ordinance language.

What’s next: With the ordinance in place, developers can pursue special‑use permits or other approvals under the updated code; the Feb. 9 open house will be the first public forum from the project applicant to address community questions.

The council adjourned without additional public hearings on this item; the applicant will hold the Feb. 9 session as announced.