Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Land Use & Development Committee for February 5, 2026

Will County Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | February 5, 2026

The Will County Land Use and Development Committee met on Thursday, February 5, 2026, to deliberate on several contentious zoning cases. The meeting was defined by two failed votes on major industrial and energy projects—a solar farm in Shorewood and a fill operation in Joliet—highlighting the tension between development and local municipal planning. Conversely, the committee advanced permits for smaller businesses in Frankfort and Homer Townships despite local safety and zoning objections.

Brief: Fairmont Neighborhood Plan Update Approved
The committee unanimously approved a resolution to adopt updates to the Fairmont Neighborhood Plan. County staffer Nick Hernandez reported that the update, which focuses on the Fairmont community between Lockport and Joliet, was approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission earlier in the week. The plan aims to guide future resource management and development in the historic neighborhood. Staff indicated that design work is underway, with a final presentation expected in March.

Brief: Peotone Subdivision Approved
The committee unanimously approved the “Doris Robbins Subdivision,” a minor one-lot subdivision located at 12504 Wilmington Road in Peotone Township. Staff member Brian Radner explained that the subdivision was necessary to bring an existing lot with a home into compliance with the Plat Act. The approval includes a dedication of right-of-way to the Will County Division of Transportation for future road expansion on Wilmington-Peotone Road.

Brief: Solar Farm Extensions Granted
The committee approved second extension requests for two solar energy projects in Crete Township. The first, for Crete Cottage Grove Solar 1, LLC (ZC-23-006), is located at the northwest corner of Munz Road and South Cottage Grove Avenue. The second (ZC-22-096) is located at the northeast corner of East Goodenow Road and Dutton Road. Both projects were granted 180-day extensions to their special use permits, valid through August 12, 2026, to allow time for building permit issuance.

Brief: Joliet ADU Approved
A special use permit was approved for an attached accessory dwelling unit (ADU) at 1458 Elgin Avenue in Joliet Township. The property, which had previously been illegally converted into four units, will be remodeled into a compliant two-unit residence (one unit per floor). The owner agreed to bring the property into compliance with current R-5 zoning regulations, resolving outstanding code violations.

Brief: Lockport Outdoor Storage Approved
The committee unanimously approved a special use permit for outdoor storage on a 1.8-acre vacant lot along New Avenue in Lockport Township (ZC-25-128). The site, located in a heavy industrial corridor near a refinery, had previously been approved for similar use in 2022, but the permit lapsed due to delays in site development. The new approval allows for a landscaping business with gravel surfacing and screened fencing.

Brief: Manhattan Home Expansion Approved
A special use permit was granted for a property at 29450 South Cedar Road in Manhattan to allow the expansion of a single-family residence. The property is currently zoned C-2 (Local Commercial) but has been used as a residence, making it a legal non-conforming use. The special use permit allows the homeowners to expand their residence while remaining in the commercial district.