Lee County board approves special-use permit for 180‑MW Prairie Broom solar project

The Lee County Board voted to approve petition 26P1660, granting a special‑use permit to Prairie Broom Solar LLC to build a 180‑megawatt commercial solar energy facility on 1,816 acres across 16 parcels in Alto and Reynold townships.

Alice, a county zoning staff member, told the board the zoning hearing officer recommended approval with several conditions: the special‑use permit will “run with the land,” must be re‑applied for after the 40‑year anniversary of commercial operation, and requires a decommissioning plan, stormwater management plan, engineer certification, a drain‑tile study and a complaint‑resolution system before any building permit is issued. Alice also said the county added a stepped penalty system for noncompliance.

Board member Mr. Sheeline moved the resolution; Mr. Fel seconded. After questions about the project’s location — Alice said the parcels are south of Gerler Road, east of State Route 251, west of Stewart Road and north of Perry Road — the board conducted a roll‑call vote that passed the motion (14 yes, 1 no). One board member spoke against permitting solar on the site, saying the land is valuable for industrial and manufacturing development and that permitting solar there could foreclose other economic uses.

The zoning hearing officer, Brian Brim, had held a public hearing May 27 and recommended approval with the stated conditions. The county will require the developer to meet the listed pre‑permit obligations before construction begins.

The board approved the petition during its regular meeting; no legal challenge or appeal was recorded in the meeting minutes. The practical effect is that Prairie Broom Solar LLC can proceed toward permitting and site work after meeting the county’s conditions and obtaining any other required permits.

The board moved on to committee reports after the vote; county staff said they will monitor compliance and permit milestones.