Will County P&Z Approves Crete Solar Farm, Overruling Township’s General Opposition

Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval for a new commercial solar farm in Crete Township, moving the project forward despite being informed by staff of the township’s official opposition to any new solar facilities in its area. The commission chairman noted that the township’s general stance was not a legally sufficient reason to deny the specific project.

Crete Solar Farm Key Points:

• The commission recommended approval of a special use permit for a commercial solar facility on Bemes Road, requested by Felipe and Juan Recendez.

• County staff reported to the board that Crete Township had officially communicated its opposition to any new solar developments.

• Chairman Hugh Stipan clarified that the township’s general preference is not a legal basis for denying an otherwise compliant application under county and state law.

JOLIET, IL – A proposed commercial solar farm in Crete Township received a recommendation for approval from the Will County Planning and Zoning Commission on July 1, despite an official objection from the township itself.

The project, proposed by owners Felipe and Juan Recendez, requires a special use permit and variances to be constructed on Bemes Road. During his presentation, county planner Jesus Briseno informed the commission of the township’s position. “Crete Township doesn’t won’t anymore solar facilities in their area,” Briseno stated.

The comment prompted a direct response from Commission Chairman Hugh Stipan. “At least the general, yet they have no legal objection to present to us,” Stipan said, indicating that a township’s general policy preference does not override a specific project’s compliance with county zoning regulations. Briseno confirmed, “But, it’s not a legal objective.”

The exchange highlights a growing tension between some local townships and the proliferation of solar farm applications across Will County. While many projects meet the county’s requirements for a special use permit, some local governments have begun to express concerns about the number and location of the facilities within their boundaries.

With no legal objections presented for this specific case, the commission voted to recommend approval of the special use permit with four conditions, as well as the requested variances for ground cover height and mowing frequency. The project will now proceed to the full Will County Board for final consideration.