Will County Land Use News Briefs

Truck Terminal Proposal Tabled for Traffic Study: The committee tabled a special use permit request from Litmax Multi-Service Inc. for a truck terminal in New Lenox Township at 22645 Cherry Hill Road. The applicant requested the one-month delay to conduct a traffic study before the proposal returns to the committee in April.

Bar/Tavern Proposal Postponed: LMD Liquor LLC’s request for a special use permit for a bar/tavern at 1619 East Cass Street in Joliet Township was tabled until next month at the attorney’s request. No reason for the postponement was provided during the meeting.

Committee Approves Accessory Dwelling for Aging in Place: Jeffrey and Lou Anne Hunt received unanimous approval for a special use permit and variance to construct a 724-square-foot attached accessory dwelling unit at their Wheatland Township property. Hunt explained the addition would allow the couple to remain in their home as they age by providing all living spaces on one level with wider doorways for potential future wheelchair access.

Bond Funds Refunded for Incomplete Deck Project: The committee approved a $5,200 refund to homeowner Robert Pauper from a contractor’s permit and license bond after the contractor failed to complete a deck project to code. The county filed a claim on the bond after the homeowner and contractor reached an impasse, with the funds covering the cost of hiring another contractor to complete the work properly.

Committee Discusses Agricultural Drainage Concerns: Member Ogala initiated a discussion about potential requirements for field tile studies when agricultural properties are divided into smaller residential parcels. Staff explained that while subdivisions require field tile studies, exempt divisions of land (five acres or more) fall into a regulatory gap. Current county water resource ordinances require property owners to fix broken drainage tiles if discovered, but only if the county is made aware of the issue.

Land Resource Management Plan Update Continues: Staff reported that a third request for qualifications (RFQ) for the county’s land resource management plan update is currently being processed in the purchasing department. Previous attempts to secure a consultant were unsuccessful, with potential bidders already committed to similar projects in other counties.

Committee Seeks Updated Solar Project Map: Committee members requested an updated map of solar projects in the county to better visualize the distribution of the more than 80 projects approved in the past 15 months. Member Newquist expressed concern about the concentration of projects in some areas, noting “we had three on one street” in one township.