Edgar County Board approves amended commercial solar ordinance with revised drainage-review steps

The Edgar County Board on [date not specified] approved changes to its commercial solar energy ordinance that shift when detailed farmland drainage plans must be submitted.

Philip, who presented the update, said the amendment removes the requirement for a full farmland drainage plan during the special-use permit phase and instead requires “a preliminary drainage overview” in section I B C number 17 and “a written statement confirming that the applicant will submit a complete farmland drain plan … prior to the issuance of a commercial solar energy facility building permit.” He said the change resolves an internal conflict in the ordinance and aligns the county with common practice among other counties.

Board members asked whether the ordinance left the drainage standard intact elsewhere. Philip said the more-detailed requirements in another section (section Q) remain unchanged and the full plan will still be required with the building permit. Lisa said she intends to consult the soil conservation office and its director, Hope, after the ordinance is approved to coordinate implementation.

Public commenters pressed the board to seek tangible local benefits from solar developers. One commenter urged the board to “make sure they’re using local labor” and to ask for contributions to local fire departments or other community support rather than accept promises that are not kept. Another board member clarified the county cannot, under recent Illinois statutory changes, make local-hiring a mandatory ordinance requirement but can express a preference in procurement and agreements.

Lisa moved to approve the amended ordinance and Russ seconded. The clerk called the roll and the board voted to approve the ordinance. The Chair announced, “It is approved.” The ordinance now moves to the usual implementation steps, including requiring the detailed farmland drainage plan at building-permit review.