Tazewell County has rejected a proposed five-megawatt community solar farm planned for a rural residential area in Mackinaw Township. County board members voted 17-2 against granting Sol Source Power a special-use permit, citing concerns about the location and local land-use standards.
Key takeaways
- The county board denied the project by a 17-2 vote.
- The proposed facility would have occupied 30 acres of a nearly 50-acre parcel near Lowery and Gresham roads.
- Local zoning officials and the county’s land use committee unanimously recommended rejection.
- The board also approved new renewable-energy and zoning restrictions.
Board rejects proposed location
The project was proposed in an agriculture preservation district, where Sol Source Power sought permission to build the solar facility. The targeted property sits at the intersection of Lowery and Gresham roads in Mackinaw Township.
Board member Jon Hopkins strongly criticized the site before the vote, calling it an exceptionally poor location for a solar development. He also questioned why the company continued pursuing the proposal after facing opposition from county officials and advisory bodies.
Mark Goddard and Kaden Nelms were the only board members to support the special-use request. Nick Graff voted “present.”
Legal concerns shape the debate
The county board’s decision followed a letter from Sol Source that suggested denying the permit could lead to litigation. Hopkins characterized the letter as a threat, saying public officials should not be pressured over a zoning decision.
Tazewell County has approved several solar projects in recent years partly because developers warned that projects meeting state requirements could trigger lawsuits if rejected. However, a recent Illinois Fourth District Appellate Court ruling affirmed that counties retain discretion when reviewing proposed solar developments.
The court said state law does not prevent counties from applying traditional, subjective zoning standards when deciding whether to issue permits. That ruling gave Tazewell County officials greater confidence in rejecting projects they believe are incompatible with local conditions.
Advisory panels unanimously opposed the project
The Tazewell County Zoning Board of Appeals and the county board’s land use committee both recommended denial last month after extended discussions and public testimony. The land use committee meeting continued past midnight before members voted.
Committee chair Russ Crawford said he was surprised by the zoning board’s unanimous recommendation because the panel does not typically take that position. The unified opposition strengthened the case against the special-use request before it reached the full county board.
County tightens renewable-energy rules
Alongside the project denial, the county board approved a renewable-energy ordinance and changes to its zoning code. The revisions tighten restrictions governing wind and solar developments, signaling that future proposals may face closer scrutiny regarding location and compatibility with surrounding land uses.
The board also approved several unrelated measures, including a bridge replacement contract for Country Club Drive over Lick Creek, roof-replacement work at county facilities, janitorial services for the new animal control shelter in Tremont, and the disposal of obsolete information-technology equipment. Members also approved election judges for the Nov. 3 election and a third-quarter payment to the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council.
