County board approves zoning-text changes for wind, solar, energy storage and data centers
March 13, 2026 | Livingston County, Illinois
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The Livingston County Board unanimously adopted a suite of zoning-text amendments Tuesday that establish local standards for commercial wind energy, commercial solar and battery energy storage systems, formalize regulations for energy storage systems and allow data centers as a special use in I2 and I3 industrial districts.
Committee chair Paul Ritter presented the measures and said the data-center amendment is intended to give the county standards to evaluate any future applications. "This is not part of House Bill 25," a board member clarified; Ritter said the county is acting to ensure it has local standards available if an application arrives.
Each resolution was moved, seconded and approved by roll-call vote. The board also passed a separate resolution to add a 25-foot general setback from the public right-of-way for fences that surround nonresidential or nonagricultural uses in agricultural and industrial zoning districts.
Why it matters: The changes create local review standards for energy projects and data centers, providing a statutory framework the county can use when such development proposals are filed. By adopting consistent rules for setbacks and for where data centers may be allowed as special uses, the county establishes predictable review criteria for applicants and staff.
Votes at a glance: The roll-call recorded board members voting "yes" on these items consistently during the session.
Committee chair Paul Ritter presented the measures and said the data-center amendment is intended to give the county standards to evaluate any future applications. "This is not part of House Bill 25," a board member clarified; Ritter said the county is acting to ensure it has local standards available if an application arrives.
Each resolution was moved, seconded and approved by roll-call vote. The board also passed a separate resolution to add a 25-foot general setback from the public right-of-way for fences that surround nonresidential or nonagricultural uses in agricultural and industrial zoning districts.
Why it matters: The changes create local review standards for energy projects and data centers, providing a statutory framework the county can use when such development proposals are filed. By adopting consistent rules for setbacks and for where data centers may be allowed as special uses, the county establishes predictable review criteria for applicants and staff.
Votes at a glance: The roll-call recorded board members voting "yes" on these items consistently during the session.
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