North Aurora board votes to oppose proposed solar farm near Tanner Road, pledges technical engagement with county

The North Aurora Village Board on May 4 approved a resolution opposing a proposed solar farm on a parcel at 2900 Tanner Road that is within the village's one-and-a-half-mile notification area.

Staff explained the resolution is specific to the property and not a general statement against solar energy. Trustees said the village's comprehensive plan designates the site for future single-family housing and voiced concern that a solar farm would reduce opportunities for residential development and tax revenue. One trustee said they are "real on the fence" about opposing solar farms generally but that the goal is to protect the village's planned residential development.

Staff and trustees acknowledged legal constraints: if a county application meets standards set by state law, county approval may be required and a municipal objection is not binding. Nathan said the county process was likely to proceed if statutory requirements are satisfied and that technical meetings will clarify lease terms, access and setbacks.

Board members discussed practical measures they can request or oppose (e.g., access points such as Lake Run) and said the village intends to send the resolution and the board's concerns to county board members and the county president before the county decision. Staff said they would attend technical meetings with the developer and county to press for mitigations such as access routing and setbacks.

A majority of trustees voted to approve the resolution; staff cautioned that the county — and state law — may still permit the solar farm if statutory standards are met.