Peoria County board clears two solar special-use cases and passes consent agenda items
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Summary
The Peoria County Board approved two zoning items for solar energy facilities (ZBA 2025-0557 for NJR Clean Energy Ventures 3 and ZBA 2025-0060 for Cornwell Solar LLC) and passed the consent agenda; the board reiterated rules on transfer of special-use approvals and asked petitioners to introduce new owners if transfers are proposed.
The Peoria County Board voted unanimously to approve two zoning items for solar energy generation and approved its consent agenda during the meeting.
On item 9.1 the board considered ZBA 2025-0557, a petition from NJR Clean Energy Ventures 3 corporation for a 60-megawatt solar facility on the Hearst property. Planning staff read the relevant sections of the Unified Development Ordinance and section 7.17 conditions that govern special-use approvals. The board reiterated that transfer restrictions in the ordinance mean that an applicant granted a special use is expected to be the developer or must introduce any subsequent owner to the board to confirm promises made to neighbors.
The board then considered item 9.2, ZBA 2025-0060, a modification request from Cornwell Solar LLC to add participating properties to a previously approved special use (ZBA 2022-0012). Members thanked the petitioner for cooperating and noted this modification merely expands the project area; the modification was approved.
Both zoning votes were recorded as passing with 17 ayes. Earlier in the meeting the board also approved the consent agenda by voice vote.
Why it matters: The votes allow the two solar projects to proceed under the conditions of the county's Unified Development Ordinance. The board emphasized continuity of commitments to neighbors and that any sale or transfer requires board introduction of new owners and confirmation that they will honor prior promises.
What's next: Applicants may proceed under the special-use approvals and must follow the conditions listed in section 7.17; any subsequent ownership changes should be brought to the board for review.