Village of Union Adopts Solar Power Facility Ordinance

Responding to proposals for solar energy facility developers in the Village and other parts of McHenry County, Union’s Board of Trustees has adopted an ordinance governing construction of solar power farms and arrays within the village limits. The ordinance establishes the following requirements for solar power facilities within the village:

• Solar arrays and all other solar farm components must be set back 100 feet from property lines or right of ways, subject to waiver up to a minimum setback of 50 feet;

• Fencing must surround the facility at least eight feet high, with appropriate warning signs;

• Facility lighting must only be as much as needed for safety and security;

• Solar collectors may not project glare onto adjacent property;

• Facility owners must submit to the Village current operation and maintenance plans;

• Failure to operate continuously for 90 days or more requires decommissioning within six months; and

• Facility owners must post a bond in the amount of 150% of decommissioning costs.