Wind Energy Task Force of Lake County Communities

About the Program

Category: Planning (Best in Category)

Year: 2010

Planners from jurisdictions across Lake County, Illinois met together to learn about the growing interest in developing wind energy systems in April 2009. With the recent rapid growing interest in developing wind energy technology, Lake County and many of its municipalities felt that they needed more information and resources if they were to be ready for the permitting and regulation in their own jurisdictions. Communities across the county had expressed similar interests in promoting alternative energy resources, but also felt the need to protect the well-being of neighbors at the same time. The Planning, Building and Zoning Committee of the Lake County Board authorized staff to meet with over 20 municipalities and two consulting firms to form the Wind Energy Task Force (WETF) of Lake County Communities. Over 9 months of monthly meetings, the WETF researched wind energy systems, shared resources through Google Groups, and developed their own Resource Guide to answer common questions and concerns about wind energy systems. They developed a Model Ordinance for Wind Energy Systems that could be adapted to fit the needs of the county and its different communities. By collaborating in this manner, Lake County was able to develop a comprehensive ordinance, while sharing and developing new resources with its municipalities.