HB4612 Summary

• Amends the Counties Code to allow counties to establish standards for commercial wind energy facilities (500+ kilowatts) and commercial solar energy facilities, but standards cannot be more restrictive than those specified in the law.

• Establishes setback requirements for wind towers from occupied community buildings (2.1x maximum blade tip height), participating residences (1.1x), and nonparticipating residences (2.1x), with requirements measured from the center of the tower base.

• Prohibits counties from setting sound limitations more restrictive than those established by the Illinois Pollution Control Board under 35 Ill. Adm. Code Parts 900, 901, and 910.

• New provision: Allows counties to set blade tip height limitations for wind towers near restricted landing areas to ensure compliance with 92 Ill. Adm. Code 14.730 regarding aeronautics safety.

• Requires counties to hold public hearings within 45 days of permit applications, make decisions within 30 days of hearing conclusion, and prohibits unreasonable permit application fees, property value guarantees, or neighboring property devaluation escrow accounts.