Lee County Zoning Hearing - 05/27/2026

The Lee County Illinois Zoning Hearing held on May 27, 2026, focused primarily on the special use permit application for the Prairie Broom Solar Project, a proposed 180-megawatt commercial solar energy facility. The applicant, Prairie Broom Solar LLC, presented detailed plans demonstrating compliance with the Lee County solar ordinance and Illinois counties code, including environmental studies, landscape plans, and economic impact analyses. Key procurement-related commitments included a $100,000 deposit into the county's consulting fund, adherence to construction and operational standards, and financial assurances for project decommissioning estimated at $15.5 million. The project team emphasized community engagement, local economic benefits, and environmental protections such as buffers around a bald eagle nest. Public comments raised concerns about farmland use, wildlife impact, property values, and construction traffic. The hearing officer will prepare a report for the county board, which holds the authority to approve the special use permit.