Kenosha County panel approves Lily Lake Resort conditional use permit amid neighbor complaints about noise

The Kenosha County Planning and Development Committee approved a conditional use permit renewal for Lily Lake Resort that would allow outdoor dining, recreation and amplified music under conditions the committee described at the meeting.

Petitioner Jill Leplinski, who said she has operated Lily Lake Resort for 22 years, told the committee the venue hosts festivals, benefits and private events, and that she has taken steps to reduce noise (sound drops and a decibel meter). "I've always had music... I put up a stage... I try to follow the rules," Leplinski said.

Neighboring property owners opposed the renewal. Attorney Michael McTernan, representing adjacent residents, presented photos and reported decibel readings taken in his clients’ backyard he said exceeded the county limit. McTernan said his clients recorded readings "greatly exceeding 80 d[ecibels] at 3 in the afternoon," and urged the committee to set stricter controls or revoke the CUP if violations recur.

Staff and supervisors discussed enforcement options. Planning staff noted county code changes now allow amplified music after dark under certain CUP conditions and referenced specific noise control standards in the county code; they emphasized that citations may be issued and that the committee retains authority to revoke a permit after repeated violations. The committee debated whether to set a strike‑based enforcement approach but left enforcement discretion in the board’s purview.

After discussion and public comment, a motion to approve the conditional use permit as written carried by voice vote. Staff said the conditional use permit approved by the committee will still go before the county board and become effective only after the county board action and signature by the county executive.