Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Solar Zoning topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Trustee Thompson leads board to ease limits on roof-mounted solar panels
Summary
The La Grange Village Board approved a zoning text amendment removing a prohibition that prevented roof-mounted solar panels on single-family homes from facing the front lot line or being within 60 degrees of it; the change adds a limit preventing panels from extending beyond the eave or ridge and follows two ZBA cases and a planning commission recommendation.
Trustee Thompson presented and the La Grange Village Board of Trustees voted to adopt an ordinance amending the zoning code to relax where roof-mounted solar panels are allowed on single-family homes. The change removes the prohibition against panels facing the front lot line or being within 60 degrees of it, while adding a restriction that panels may not extend beyond the eave or ridge of the roof.
Why it matters: Two zoning-board-of-appeals cases in November 2024 prompted the review, and staff researched neighboring communities and SolSmart practices to align local rules with common regional standards. Trustee Thompson said the revisions respond to homeowners’ requests and planning findings and noted the planning commission recommended approval by a 4–0 vote.
What happened at the meeting: Trustee Thompson outlined the ordinance and the ZBA background, saying the board had previously approved two variation requests and directed staff to draft code amendments. “Staff prepared zoning code amendments to remove the current prohibition against placing solar panels or facing within 60 degrees of the front lot line,” Thompson said in presenting the proposal. Trustee Gail seconded the motion to adopt the ordinance. After brief supportive remarks from Trustee Peterson, the board approved the ordinance by roll-call vote.
Key details and limits: The adopted amendment allows roof-mounted solar panels on any elevation of a single-family home (including elevations visible from the public right-of-way) but prohibits panels that extend beyond the roof eave or ridge. The change mirrors practice in nearby communities—Riverside was noted as an exception that retains a visibility restriction.
Next steps: The ordinance was approved during the March meeting and will be codified under the village zoning code. Staff will update permitting guidance to reflect the new allowance and the eave/ridge limitation.
Vote: The board approved the ordinance by roll call at the meeting; the clerk recorded the vote and the motion passed.
