Public hearing on energy systems regulations in DeKalb County scheduled for April 2, 2026.

PUBLIC NOTICE On January 8, 2026, new legislation was adopted by the State of Illinois establishing statewide standards for Energy Storage Systems, along with a number of amendments to its previously adopted standards for commercial wind energy facilities and commercial solar energy facilities on unincorporated lands within the state. Per the requirements of this new legislation, counties in the state have until June 1, 2026 to bring their existing ordinances into compliance with these new regulations. The DeKalb County Board is currently considering a proposed text amendment to update its sustainable energy systems regulations to bring them into compliance with the new State standards. In order to change the Zoning Ordinance, an Amendment must be approved by the County Board. Before the County Board can approve an Amendment, a Public Hearing must be held by the County Hearing Officer. The DeKalb County Community Development Department has filed a petition for the proposed Zoning Text Amendment. A public hearing will be held before the DeKalb County Hearing Officer on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at 1:00 pm, in the DeKalb County Legislative Center, Gathertorium, 200 North Main Street, Sycamore, Illinois 60178. This will be the only opportunity for public input on this application, all interested persons are encouraged to attend the meeting and be heard. The petition, DC-26-04, is available for inspection on the DeKalb County website at: https://dekalb county.org/government/ public-hearings/. Additionally, interested persons may also submit testimony, comments, and questions via email at the following address: Communitydev elopment@dekalbcounty. org. All such electronic submissions must be received by noon of the day of the public hearing to be included in the public record. Marcellus Anderson Assistant Planner DeKalb County Community Development Department  (Published in the Daily Chronicle, March 14, 2026) 2311094