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Board approves two commercial solar permits, including a capped‑landfill site contingent on Waste Management agreement
Summary
Kane County approved special use permits for two commercial solar facilities — a 53‑acre Virgil Township project and a 41‑acre proposal on a capped landfill in St. Charles Township — with conditions. The landfill project requires a signed agreement with Waste Management before a building permit is issued.
The Kane County Board voted March 10 to approve special use permits for two commercial solar energy facilities after presentations and public comment.
USS Rhea Solar LLC requested a special use permit for a roughly 53‑acre project in Virgil Township. Petitioner Elijah Mitchell asked the board to narrow screening requirements in places where existing buildings partially block views, but county development staff said updated screening standards would be more stringent and the development committee recommended standard stipulations. The board approved the special use permit with the conditions recommended by staff.
Tri County Solar LLC sought a special use permit to place panels on a 41‑acre capped landfill in St. Charles Township. Petitioners explained the site is federal Superfund‑restricted for many uses but has been identified as suitable for solar; the petitioner and staff said the project is feasible only with Waste Management’s cooperation. Tri County Solar representatives told the board that no building permit will be issued until a formal agreement with Waste Management addressing liability and cap protections is executed.
Mark Vanceroff, director of development, stressed that a special‑use approval creates potential for construction but does not substitute for the building permit process. "A building permit will not be issued unless that agreement has been executed," Vanceroff said. Several residents from nearby neighborhoods raised safety and long‑term disposal concerns for solar panels on landfill caps; petitioners and their engineers answered technical questions and said panels would be installed consistent with cap integrity requirements.
Both special‑use permits passed on roll calls. The board directed staff to monitor the landfill project’s agreement with Waste Management and said the development committee would receive monthly updates on the status of the required contract before a permit can be issued.
Why it matters: The approvals allow reuse of agricultural and capped landfill lands for renewable energy under conditions designed to protect landfill caps and nearby residents. The landfill application highlighted the need for coordination among developers, waste‑site owners and county permitting staff before construction.
