Grundy County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Grundy County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Zoning code text amendment
The county's year-long overhaul of several UDO sections is finally headed to the full board after typo fixes. It shapes how land uses are regulated countywide.
UDO text amendment cleanup
A months-long rewrite of several sections of the county's Unified Development Ordinance came back to the board after the county board caught grammatical errors in September. With content unchanged, the board again recommended it forward.
Livestock setback variance for horse barn on narrow lot
A landowner wanted to keep horses on a three-acre lot too narrow for the county's 100-foot livestock setback. The board agreed the L-shaped parcel left no compliant building spot and granted the variance, letting roughly three horses be housed about 40 feet from the property line.
Conversion of former church to climate-controlled self-storage
Storage-facility owners Sean and Heather Egglin converted their vacant former church building into climate-controlled storage in 2024 but needed the special use permit formally updated to get final occupancy and close out their bank loan. The board granted the modification with four extra conditions.
Battery energy storage systems (BESS) ordinance
The county unanimously adopted a state-mandated ordinance regulating industrial-scale battery facilities, keeping local control before an expected wave of BESS applications next year. It includes tough fire standards, decommissioning plans and ethical sourcing requirements.
Commercial solar development in Grundy County
A new lawsuit alleges the county improperly extended a special use permit for the Goose Lake Solar project after it expired. Solar cases are now believed to number seven or more, and while they don't carry big dollar payouts, the legal defense costs are driving up the trust's losses.
SalClay Truck & Trailer Repair Access Variance
SalClay's request to be excused from county corner-clearance access rules at its proposed Dupont Road/Verona Road location was tabled at the company's own request until October 22. Local businesses spoke in support of SalClay at the August meeting.