McHenry County ZBA approves Culver Solar permit after developers pledge tree-planting and wetland protections

The McHenry County Zoning Board of Appeals on April 13 approved a conditional use permit for the Culver Solar project (Z250097), voting 6-0 after hearing revised surveys and mitigation commitments from the developer.

Paul Bottom, the project’s lead developer, told the board the applicant relocated the access road, shifted array strings and revised the eastern boundary to avoid and preserve the majority of oak and hickory trees 12 inches DBH or greater and to fully avoid Wetland 1 with a 100-foot buffer. “We have taken steps to minimize the impact to the woodlands and the wetlands on the Culver Solar site,” Bottom said during the presentation.

Why it matters: the project will remove hundreds of trees classified as notable species on the survey but is offering restoration money and on-site design changes intended to reduce long-term ecological harm. Board members said the case highlights a gap in county policy because state solar standards limit local discretion once statutory requirements are met.

Survey and impacts: consultant Michael Jockheim of…