Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Planning and Zoning Commission for October 21, 2025

Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | October 21, 2025

The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, tackled several high-profile land use issues, recommending approval for a large solar farm in New Lenox Township and a controversial video gaming bar in Frankfort Township. The commission’s recommendations will now be forwarded to the Will County Board for final approval or denial.

A major item on the agenda was a proposal by Nexamp Solar LLC to construct a 62.7-acre commercial solar facility on agricultural land in New Lenox. After reviewing input from the Village of New Lenox and the Forest Preserve District of Will County, the commission voted to recommend the project with conditions related to emergency planning, landscaping, and wildlife protection. The project is part of a statewide push for renewable energy under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act. More details on the solar farm proposal are available in our full story.

In a more contentious case, the commission recommended a special use permit for a bar with video gaming terminals in Frankfort Township, despite a formal objection from the Frankfort Township Board. The decision highlights a frequent point of friction between local township governance and county-level planning, with the Will County Board now set to make the final determination. Read more about the conflicting recommendations in our detailed report.

The commission also reviewed proposals for a senior shared housing facility in Crete Township, which it recommended for approval, and an appeal from a “tiny home” owner who was denied a permit.

Commission Recommends Denial for Joliet Fencing Company Rezoning
The commission recommended denial of a map amendment for a property at 501 Manhattan Road in Joliet Township. Applicant John Keefe Jr. sought to rezone 5.18 acres from R-3 (Single-Family Residential) to C-4 (Highway Commercial) to operate a fencing company. County staff recommended denial, and the City of Joliet submitted a letter noting the proposed commercial use may not be compatible with the surrounding residential area and suggesting the city’s B-3 (General Business) zoning would be more appropriate if the property were annexed.

Former Joliet Beach Club Site Fill Operation Moves Forward
The commission recommended approval for a map amendment and special use permit to legitimize and continue clean construction or demolition debris (CCDD) fill operations at the former Michigan Beach site at 420 Rowell Ave in Joliet Township. The request from Rowell Ave LLC aims to resolve a zoning violation from 2024. The plan is to rezone the 16.88-acre property from C-6/R-4 to I-2 (General Industrial) and secure a special use permit to fill the former quarry, with future plans for a contractor’s yard.

Homer Township Accessory Dwelling Unit Gets Split Recommendation
A request for variances to build an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) at 13801 Smith Road in Homer Township received a split recommendation. The commission recommended approval for a variance to increase the maximum ADU size from 743 to 923 square feet. However, it followed the staff’s recommendation to deny a second variance that would have increased the maximum building height from 20 feet to 25.25 feet, as staff found the applicant’s preference for the extra height did not constitute a unique hardship.

Plainfield Township Variances for Solar Panels Recommended
The commission recommended approval for two variances at 25665 Caton Farm Road in Plainfield Township. The owner, Bradley G. Schwartz, sought the variances to bring an existing detached garage into compliance to allow for the installation of solar panels. The requests reduce the street yard setback from 30 to 18 feet and retroactively approve an accessory building area of 3,243 square feet, where 1,500 is permitted. Staff noted the issues arose from a building permit error in 2017.

Commission to Rule on Pet Crematorium’s ‘Nonconforming’ Status
An appeal was heard from Delaware LLC regarding a pet crematorium at 25613 W. Route 30 in Wheatland Township. The owner is appealing the Zoning Administrator’s decision that the use is not a legal, nonconforming use. The crematorium has operated since 1974, but zoning ordinances have changed. The applicant argues its long history and a 2007 Certificate of Occupancy establish its legal status. County staff maintain it was never formally determined to be a legal, nonconforming use, a status needed before any expansion can be considered. The commission will make a recommendation on the appeal.