McLean County, IL Solar Energy: Panel Permits (2026)

McLean County Code § 350-43OO(3)(f) requires solar panels to have a construction permit from the Department of Building and Zoning, and specifically requires that solar panels which are part of a commercial solar energy generating facility carry engineering certified by a registered engineer or other certified professional before the county will issue an occupancy permit. This sits within the broader commercial solar facility standards of § 350-43OO(3), which set a 150-foot setback from the outside wall of any occupied community building or dwelling on nonparticipating property and a 50-foot setback from public road rights-of-way and nonparticipating property lines, waivable only with the affected owner's written consent.

Facilities must submit an erosion control plan and a stormwater management plan, keep security lighting shielded so glare does not extend beyond the site, and maintain native shade-tolerant grass on unused ground for soil stabilization. If a facility stops producing electricity continuously for 24 months, § 350-43OO(3)(g) requires the equipment removed and the site restored. Before the county issues a construction permit, § 350-43OO(3)(j) requires the facility owner to sign an Agricultural Impact Mitigation Agreement with the Illinois Department of Agriculture and certify compliance with its terms.

A decommissioning plan with a cash-escrow financial assurance, reviewed after the 10th year of operation and every five years after, is also required under § 350-43OO(3)(i). These rules apply only to unincorporated McLean County; Bloomington and Normal issue their own separate solar permits inside city limits.