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Trustees adopt zoning amendment allowing wind, solar and battery facilities with 150-foot residential setback
Summary
The board adopted a text amendment to the zoning code to make wind and solar facilities and battery storage special uses in the industrial and OI districts, and added a residential setback of 150 feet after planning commission input and staff review of state law.
The North Aurora Board of Trustees on May 18 adopted a zoning text amendment to make wind and solar facilities and battery storage a special use in the village's industrial and OI zoning districts and set a residential setback of 150 feet.
Nathan, presenting the item, said the board reviewed the draft on May 4 and the planning commission considered it May 5 and asked that the setback from residential areas be increased “as much as possible.” Staff reviewed state law and determined "it can go up to 150 ft," and the 150-foot setback was included in the final ordinance adopted by the board.
The amendment makes clear that such energy facilities and battery systems are not a permitted use in the referenced districts but may be allowed through the special-use process, which will require site-specific review and any applicable conditions. Trustees voted to adopt the amendment by roll call.
Why it matters: The change provides a mechanism for the village to consider commercial renewable-energy and battery projects while specifying a minimum buffer from residential property. The special-use process gives the village authority to require additional mitigation, conditions or interagency permits as projects come forward.
Next steps: Projects proposed under the new rules would proceed through the village special-use review and any required permitting process.
