Executive Committee Advances Sweeping Updates to Adult Entertainment and Wireless Facilities Ordinances

Will County Board Executive Committee Meeting | April 9, 2026

Article Summary: The Will County Board Executive Committee advanced two major ordinances completely rewriting the county’s regulations for Adult Entertainment Establishments and Wireless Telecommunication Facilities, establishing strict new operational boundaries, fees, and location restrictions.

Will County Business Ordinance Updates Key Points:

• Ordinance #26-133 / 26-4249-01 heavily restricts Adult Entertainment Establishments, mandating they remain closed between 12:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., as well as on Sundays and holidays.

• The adult entertainment ordinance explicitly prohibits all nudity, semi-nudity, and “straddle dances,” while instituting a $200 processing fee and a $5,000 surety bond for licensure.

• Ordinance #26-134 / 26-4252 implements a new $450 permit fee for small wireless facilities and a $200 annual recurring rate to collocate equipment on county-owned infrastructure.

• The wireless ordinance requires applicants to provide a $20,000 performance bond (or 125% of the engineer’s estimate) to ensure the restoration of county rights-of-way.

On Thursday, April 9, 2026, the Will County Board Executive Committee advanced two substantial pieces of legislation aimed at modernizing the county’s Business Regulations Code, implementing strict new oversight for both adult entertainment businesses and wireless telecommunication providers.

Ordinance #26-133 / 26-4249-01 amends Chapter 119 of the Code of Ordinances, completely overhauling the rules governing Adult Entertainment Establishments. The legislation creates a newly defined “Adult Use Commission” tasked with reviewing applications and conducting inspections alongside the Sheriff’s Department and Health Department.

The financial and operational hurdles for these businesses will be significantly heightened under the new code. Applicants must pay a non-refundable $200 administrative processing fee and secure a $5,000 surety bond in favor of the county before a license can be issued.

The ordinance also strictly curtails operating hours. Adult entertainment establishments are prohibited from opening between 12:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon on any weekday or Saturday, and are entirely banned from opening on any Sunday or legal state or federal holiday.

Furthermore, the code institutes outright bans on specific physical conduct. “No adult establishment employee or any other person at any adult entertainment establishment shall appear, be present or perform while nude,” the ordinance states, adding that “Straddle dances shall be prohibited at all adult entertainment establishments.” Age restrictions are also strictly enforced, requiring patrons of adult cabarets to be at least 21 years old, while patrons of adult stores and theaters must be at least 18.

The committee also tackled infrastructure by advancing Ordinance #26-134 / 26-4252, which amends Chapter 122 regarding Wireless Telecommunication Facilities. Drafted to ensure local compliance with the state’s Small Wireless Facilities Deployment Act, the ordinance establishes a clear fee structure and safety standards for the placement of cellular and Wi-Fi equipment in the public right-of-way.

Under the new code, telecommunication companies must pay a $450 permit fee to install a single wireless facility on an existing structure. If the company wishes to collocate their equipment on county-owned infrastructure, such as traffic signals or streetlights, they must pay an annual recurring rate of $200 per location.

To protect county property from damage during installation, the ordinance requires wireless providers to submit a performance bond of $20,000, or 125% of an engineer’s estimated cost—whichever is greater—to guarantee the full restoration of all disturbed sidewalks, parkways, and roads.

While the adult entertainment ordinance passed by a unanimous voice vote without discussion, the wireless telecommunications ordinance faced slight resistance, passing on a voice vote with Board Member Daniel J. Butler (R-Frankfort) registering the lone dissenting “no” vote. Both ordinances now move to the full Will County Board for final adoption.