Proposed solar farm near O’Fallon prompts debate, possible new zoning rules
A proposed solar farm near a residential area on Scott-Troy Road is winding its way through government channels, with a final decision to be made by the St. Clair County Board.
The request to rezone nearly 19 acres of unincorporated land at 905 Scott-Troy Road comes from Green Solar 8 of Colonie, New York, part of the Cipriani Energy Group. The company also has projects in Saratoga and Loda, both in northeastern Illinois, and Sandoval, in the south-central part of the state.
The St. Clair County Zoning Board of Appeals will consider the rezoning request on Nov. 3. The board’s recommendation will then go to the county board. The O’Fallon Township Board will meet Nov. 5.
The land, currently zoned agricultural, is owned by Daniel Hoker, according to Sheri Heil, O’Fallon Township planning committee secretary.
Solar farms generate renewable energy without producing emissions during operation. Ground-mounted solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, which is then sent to the power grid.
Proponents point to economic benefits including new jobs, increased tax revenue and local spending.
Spurred by state-level renewable energy policies, both large- and small-scale solar farm proposals have recently been approved in St. Clair County. These proposals must comply with local zoning requirements.
A 2023 state law limits the ability of counties to prohibit solar projects. It preempts local ordinances that could block wind and solar installations if the projects meet general state requirements.
However, counties and municipalities may still enforce specific zoning ordinances for solar farms, often requiring special use permits and compliance with setback, fencing, height, and decommissioning regulations.
O’Fallon Considers New Solar Zoning Regulations
The O’Fallon City Council is considering a new zoning classification, I-2 (Industrial Solar Farm District), which would require an amendment to the city’s code of ordinances.
Community Development Director Greg Anderson said several companies and developers have approached the city with potential projects within O’Fallon’s 1.5-mile planning jurisdiction.
“Large solar farm projects are becoming increasingly common within the county,” Anderson said.
By adopting the new district, Anderson said, the city aims to maintain local control where possible, ensure compliance with state law and county regulations, and provide clarity and protection for responsible development.
The new district, approved on first reading Oct. 20, is expected to come up for adoption at the Nov. 3 meeting. It includes standards for setbacks, structure height and vegetative screening.
An annexation fee of $9,000 per acre would be assessed for developments wishing to operate either a community-scale or large-scale solar energy system.
Acting City Administrator Grant Litteken said the fee was determined based on the city’s formula: low-density residential is $2,250 per unit, with a maximum density of four units per acre, totaling $9,000 per acre.
He cautioned that the city has no authority to approve any solar farm requests outside city limits.
“This will help us with buffers, landscaping and fencing,” he said.
This story was originally published October 23, 2025 at 5:30 AM with the headline "Proposed solar farm near O’Fallon prompts debate, possible new zoning rules."