Bill > SB1276

This bill amends the Counties Code to modify regulations surrounding wind farms and wind energy facilities in Illinois counties. The bill primarily removes previous changes made by Public Act 102-1123 and allows counties to maintain zoning ordinances pertaining to wind farms that were in effect before January 27, 2023, and in some cases before August 16, 2007. The legislation provides counties with the authority to establish standards for wind farms and electric-generating wind devices, including limitations on device height and the number of devices in a geographic area. The bill also clarifies that counties can regulate wind farm siting in unincorporated areas outside municipal zoning jurisdictions. Key provisions include allowing counties to set certain standards for wind energy facilities, requiring public hearings for siting approvals, and preventing counties from imposing overly restrictive regulations. Notably, the bill restricts counties from requiring wind towers used exclusively by an end user to be setback more than 1.1 times the height of the renewable energy system from the property line. The legislation aims to provide a balanced approach to wind energy development by giving counties regulatory flexibility while preventing overly burdensome restrictions.

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=1276&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104