The Will County Land Use & Development Committee tackled two contentious zoning cases during its August 7 meeting, denying a special use permit for a landscaping business in a residential zone while advancing a plan for a new truck repair facility despite strong resident opposition. The committee denied the landscaping business on Bluff Road in DuPage Township after legal counsel advised that the commercial operation was not a permitted use for the property’s residential zoning. For more details on this decision, see our full story.

In another significant action, the committee recommended the full County Board approve the rezoning of nearly 14 acres on Manhattan Road in Joliet for a 12-bay truck repair facility. The vote came after neighbors voiced concerns over noise, pollution, and safety. You can read more about this case in our complete article. Other business included routine approvals of permit extensions and other uncontested zoning matters, detailed in the briefs below.

Solar Farm Case Postponed: The committee voted to postpone a hearing for case ZC25-028, a proposed commercial solar energy facility by owners George and Sylvia Capos. The item was tabled at the applicant’s request and is scheduled to be heard at the committee’s next meeting on September 4, 2025.

Green Garden Landscaping Business Approved: A special use permit was approved for Maria and Felipe Valladares to operate a landscape and lawn maintenance business at 9003 W. Stuenkel Road in a part of Frankfort located in Green Garden Township. The committee passed the motion on a voice vote with no discussion.

Crete Township Digital Sign Gets Go-Ahead: The committee approved a special use permit for an on-premise dynamic display sign in Crete Township. The case involved variances to reduce the sign’s setback from a residential structure and a right-of-way at 25930 S. Cottage Grove Avenue. The committee’s vote only concerned the special use permit, as the variances were previously handled.

Frankfort Township Liquor Permits Approved: Two separate special use permits for ancillary liquor service were quickly approved for businesses in Frankfort Township. The first was for Kismet Restaurant LLC at 7805 W. Lincoln Highway, and the second was for Noble Ctr Lincoln IL, LLC at 19866 S. Harlem Avenue. Both passed on a voice vote without discussion.

Lockport Township Industrial Permit Extensions Granted: The Metro Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago received a 180-day extension on three special use permits for manufacturing and industrial services. The extensions are for a planned oil transloading facility at 18500 9th Street in Romeoville, where development has been delayed due to pipeline connection issues.

Troy Township Agritourism Permits Extended: On a voice vote, the committee approved extension requests for Acosta Enterprises LTD for its property at 19833 S. County Line Road in Joliet. The extensions apply to a special use permit for rural events and an ancillary liquor service permit connected to its agritourism operations.

Committee Reports: The committee received verbal updates on its ongoing reports. An updated solar status report detailing total acreage is expected next month. Regarding the Land Resource Management Plan, staff reported they are currently in negotiations with a consultant.