IL HB2988

Amends the Counties Code to clarify that counties may establish standards for wind farms, electric-generating wind devices, and commercial wind energy facilities regardless of whether the county has adopted formal zoning.

Permits counties to regulate wind energy facility siting in unincorporated areas outside municipal zoning jurisdiction and within a 1.5-mile radius surrounding municipalities.

Requires at least one public hearing within 30 days prior to a county siting decision, with notice published in a newspaper of general circulation in the county.

Mandates that commercial wind energy facility owners enter into agricultural impact mitigation agreements with the Department of Agriculture before the public hearing or before permit extension decisions.

Establishes that counties cannot require setbacks for renewable energy systems used exclusively by end users exceeding 1.1 times the system's height from the property line, and reserves wind energy regulation authority exclusively to counties in unincorporated areas.