Resident Urges County to Restrict Residential Motocross Tracks After Neighborhood Dispute

JOLIET — A Will County resident appeared before the Land Use and Development Committee Thursday urging officials to modify zoning codes to prohibit motocross tracks in residential neighborhoods, citing an ongoing dispute with neighbors who constructed a track spanning four properties.

Michael Richter, accompanied by his wife Kristen, told committee members that neighbors in the Forest Hill subdivision of Lockport Township constructed a motocross track in May 2024 that has created persistent noise problems and diminished property values.

“Imagine you move into a beautiful home and property and you enjoy peace and quiet for nine years, then a motorcycle dealer buys a home bordering your property, they build a giant pole building, and then they build a motorcycle track in the back spanning four properties,” Richter said.

According to Richter, the noise from the track can be heard inside his home despite being three lots away. He played a brief audio recording for committee members demonstrating the noise level.

Richter said he initially contacted the county’s Land Use Department to file a complaint, but was told there was no violation because current regulations neither explicitly permit nor prohibit motocross tracks on R1 (residential) zoned properties. He was directed to contact police regarding noise ordinance violations.

However, when police responded to complaints, Richter said the property owners claimed Land Use officials had approved the track, creating what he described as a frustrating cycle where neither agency would take action to address the problem.

“The police tell me to call Land Use because every time the police go to these property owners, they tell them Land Use came out here and told us that this was okay,” Richter said. “Land Use did not say it’s okay, but this is what the property owners think.”

Richter asked the committee to consider modifying the county’s land use code to explicitly prohibit motocross tracks in residential neighborhoods and requested that Land Use officials contact the Sheriff’s Office to clarify that no permission was given for the track, so that noise ordinance tickets could be issued.

“I want Land Use to contact the police and tell them they don’t have permission for the track, and I want Land Use to consider clarifying code so somebody can’t build a motocross track in an R1 lot,” Richter said.

Brian Radner, Land Use Department Director, informed the committee that he has already initiated contact with the Sheriff’s Department to clarify that they are responsible for enforcing county noise codes. However, he noted that any changes to the land use code regarding operation of off-road vehicles or tracks would require direction from the committee.

Committee Chair Judy Ogala indicated the committee should reserve discussion of potential code changes for a future meeting.

The dispute highlights what Richter described as a gap in the county’s zoning regulations that doesn’t specifically address recreational vehicle tracks on residential properties. He noted concerns about liability from potential accidents, property value impacts, and quality of life issues for surrounding residents.

“In the meantime, my mental health is suffering,” Richter said, noting that warm weather has already brought renewed use of the track after a winter pause.

No formal action was taken on Richter’s request, but it may be considered at a future committee meeting.