Will County Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | November 6, 2025

The Will County Land Use and Development Committee navigated a series of contentious zoning cases on Thursday, November 6, 2025, highlighted by a split decision that approved an industrial rezoning for the former Joliet Beach Club but denied the landfill permit needed to operate there. The committee’s rejection of the special use permit for clean-fill operations at 420 Rowell Ave. followed significant opposition from residents concerned about truck traffic and safety. More details on the split vote can be found in the full story.

In a key decision for New Lenox, the committee unanimously approved a 63-acre solar farm on Spencer Road. The approval came after conditions requested by the Village of New Lenox, including a paved access apron and specific fencing, were added to the motion. The project’s location on land with multiple development constraints was a key factor in its approval. The committee also backed a controversial video gaming bar in Frankfort Township on a narrow 3-2 vote and unanimously rejected a separate rezoning request for a fencing company in a residential area of Joliet Township after hearing from concerned neighbors. For more information, please see the full articles on these topics.

News Briefs

Pivot Energy Solar Farm Postponed: The committee granted a request from Pivot Energy to postpone its hearing for a proposed commercial solar facility at 26347 W. Baltz Road in Joliet. The project, which faces widespread objections from multiple municipalities and school districts, was postponed until the committee’s December 4 meeting. The Planning and Zoning Commission previously voted 2-4 to recommend denial of the special use permit.

Crete Township RV Permit Appeal Denied: The committee upheld a decision by the Planning and Zoning Commission to deny a temporary use permit for a recreational vehicle, or “tiny home,” on vacant property on Greenwood Avenue in Crete Township. The applicant, Lauren Dentzman-Herrera, had appealed the Zoning Administrator’s decision to reject her application due to an unresolved code violation on the property. The committee’s vote affirms the staff’s initial determination.

Solar Farm Permit Extensions Approved: The committee approved extension requests for three separate commercial solar energy projects. The first extension for a TPE Development project on S. Nacke Road in Crete Township (ZC-23-108) was approved, giving the project until June 19, 2026. A first extension was also approved for another TPE project on W. Indiana Avenue in Washington Township (ZC-24-020) until November 12, 2026. Finally, a second extension was granted for a Calvert Energy project on Utility Amoco Road in Channahon Township (ZC-23-012) until June 10, 2026, to allow for more permitting time.

New Process for Temporary Use Permits Advanced: The committee voted to move forward with a new ordinance to handle temporary use permits that exceed established time and frequency limits. After discussion, members chose “Alternative 1,” which creates a “special temporary use” application that will be subject to approval directly by the Land Use and Development Committee, bypassing the Planning and Zoning Commission to create a faster process. The proposed text change will now be scheduled for a public hearing.

2026 Noxious Weed Plan Approved: The committee recommended approval of the 2026 Will County Comprehensive Noxious Weed Work Plan. The plan, required by state law, outlines the county’s administrative process for identifying noxious weeds and notifying property owners. The committee opted to continue with the current administration-only approach and did not recommend moving into enforcement or eradication actions, which would require additional staff and funding.