Planning, Building, Zoning, and Environment Committee Meeting - June 3, 2026

The Planning, Building, Zoning, and Environment (PBZE) Committee of Lake County, Illinois, met on June 3, 2026, at 10:34 a.m. The meeting focused on proposed temporary regulations for data centers in unincorporated Lake County, the annual update from the Stormwater Management Commission (SMC), and various land-use actions including a rezoning request, a grant for shoreline stabilization, and updates on building code amendments and sustainability initiatives. The committee took multiple actions to move forward with a data center moratorium, approved a grant for the Timber Lake Shoreline Stabilization Project, and voted on several other agenda items.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Susan Pribble, a resident of unincorporated Lake County, expressed sincere thanks to Director Wagner, Deputy Director Brown, and their team for moving ahead quickly with a proposed moratorium on new data center applications and approvals. She noted the rapid growth of such facilities in local villages has stunned many residents and praised the county for serving as a model for smaller jurisdictions.

Discussion Items

• 8.9 & 8.10 – Data Center Moratorium and Administrative Deferral: Director Eric Wagner (Planning, Building and Development) introduced two companion actions regarding data centers. He explained that data centers are a unique and evolving land use that currently have no definition or specific regulation in the Lake County Unified Development Ordinance. Given the infrastructure demands (water, energy) and potential operational impacts, staff recommended an eight-month temporary moratorium on new data center applications in unincorporated areas. The first action is a resolution directing the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) to conduct a public hearing on a text amendment that would define data centers and establish the moratorium. The second is a committee action authorizing a 120-day administrative deferral on any applications materially affected by the proposed moratorium, effective immediately upon board action. The cumulative time without new data center approvals would be a maximum of one year. Members expressed strong support, noting that this approach allows the county to research best practices, impact on utilities, noise, water use, and community benefit agreements. Member Frank originally raised the topic. Chair Hart thanked staff and the state's attorney's office for their work.
• 8.2 – Timber Lake Shoreline Stabilization Grant: The committee approved a resolution authorizing a $176,576.94 grant agreement with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (via the U.S. EPA non-point source implementation program) for the Timber Lake shoreline stabilization and water quality project. SMC's Kurt Woolford noted the project will stabilize over 200 feet of shoreline and install a sediment forebay, reducing sedimentation into Timber Lake and downstream into the Fox River. SMC will receive about $18,000 for administrative costs, and the required local match will be provided entirely by the Timber Lake Civic Association.
• SMC Annual Update: Executive Director Kurt Woolford presented the Stormwater Management Commission's annual update. Key highlights:
  • The DCO (Disaster Relief) program has received $122 million from the state, with $60 million already obligated across approximately 28 projects, benefiting over 4,600 properties through flood prevention. The first tranche of $30 million funded a round of projects; a second $30 million tranche will fund an additional 16 projects. Another $62 million remains unallocated but is anticipated. 33 projects remain unfunded.
  • The Watershed Management Board program continues to fund small projects ($5,000 to $50,000). Funding is allocated by major watershed (Fox River, Des Plaines River, North Branch, Lake Michigan) based on equalized assessed value. No proposals were received for the Lake Michigan watershed this year.
  • The Stormwater Infrastructure Repair Fund (SURF) has ongoing projects with the Village of Green Oaks and Highland Park High School District.
  • Staff are working on a comprehensive stormwater management plan update, expected to be presented to the commission in August 2026 and to the board for adoption in 2027.
• 8.6 – Sustainable Energy Facilities: The committee approved a resolution directing the ZBA to conduct a public hearing on proposed text amendments to Chapter 151 of the Lake County Code relating to sustainable energy facilities (wind and solar).
• 8.7 – Ivan Hall Club Phase Three – Postponed: The committee voted to postpone action on a minor modification for an at-grade patio within the rear yard setback to the next PBZE meeting after the applicant requested more time.
• 8.8 – Rezoning Request (ZBA Case 001154-22): The committee approved a resolution recommending rezoning of a 4.62-acre parcel in Libertyville Township from Open Space to Rural Estate. The property, which has had a residential structure since 1888, is surrounded by township parkland and a conservation easement. The ZBA unanimously recommended approval on May 14, 2026, finding the rezoning consistent with the future land use map and bringing the zoning into alignment with the long-standing residential use. The full county board will consider the matter at its June 9, 2026 meeting.
• Planning, Building and Development Annual Report: Director Wagner provided an annual update on the department's work, organized by the county board's strategic priorities:
  • Superior County Operations and Services: Recent building code amendments, ZBA hearing sign efficiencies, an integrated wellness check permit process, and ongoing streamlining of the administrative adjudication code hearing unit.
  • Sustainable Environment: The Sustainable Development Incentives Ordinance (moving to ZBA this summer), landscaping improvements, dark sky lighting amendments (fall 2026), and updated wind and solar regulations.
  • Healthy and Inclusive Communities: The Housing Lake initiative will launch a webinar speaker series in summer 2026 and workshops in fall 2026.

Key Outcomes

• 8.9 – Resolution directing ZBA to hold a public hearing on a data center moratorium: Approved unanimously by voice vote (Motion by Member Campos, second by Member Wasick).
• 8.10 – Committee action authorizing a 120-day administrative deferral for data center applications: Approved unanimously (Motion by Member Kniesnik, second by Member Campos).
• 8.2 – Grant for Timber Lake Shoreline Stabilization: Approved unanimously (Motion by Member Kniesnik, second by Member Campos).
• 8.6 – Resolution on sustainable energy facilities: Approved unanimously (Motion by Member Kniesnik, second by Member Campos).
• 8.7 – Postponed to next PBZE meeting: Approved (Motion to table by Member Kniesnik, second by Member Wasick; motion to postpone by Member Campos, second by Member Kniesnik).
• 8.8 – Rezoning recommendation (ZBA Case 001154-22): Approved unanimously (Motion by Member Wasick, second by Member Kniesnik).
• SMC Update: Taken as information.
• Planning Department Annual Report: Taken as information.