I asked the question and received this reply:
Yes, Home Rule counties in Illinois can pass solar farm zoning regulations. Recent legislation, specifically the Energy Omnibus Bill, allows counties to regulate the siting of commercial solar energy facilities in unincorporated areas outside municipal zoning jurisdiction. However, these regulations cannot be more restrictive than the statewide standards established by the state. Additionally, the law prevents counties from adopting zoning regulations that outright prohibit solar farms in agricultural or Rindustrial zones.
Relevant because I believe many County Board members voting for a Home Rule referendum will use tighter zoning restructions for solar farms as their reason for voting “Yes.”
