Government Center  
719 S. Batavia Ave., Bldg. A  
Geneva, IL 60134  
Kane County  
KC County Development  
Committee  
Meeting Minutes  
WILLIAMS, Iqbal, Arroyo, Daugherty, Garcia, Linder & ex-officios Tepe (Transportation  
Chair), Lenert (Forest Preserve President), Roth (County Vice Chair) and Pierog (County  
Chair)  
Tuesday, November 18, 2025  
10:30 AM  
County Board Room  
1.  
2.  
Call To Order  
Chairman Williams called the meeting to order at 10:34 AM.  
Roll Call  
Board Member Rick Williams  
Board Member Alex Arroyo  
Board Member Mo Iqbal  
PRESENT  
Board Member Michael Linder  
Ex-Officio (Transportation Chairman) Vern Tepe  
Ex-Officio (Forest Preserve President) Bill Lenert  
Ex-Officio County Board Vice Chair Bill Roth  
Ex-Officio County Board Chair Corinne M. Pierog  
Board Member Gary Daugherty  
Board Member Sonia Garcia  
ABSENT  
Also present: Co. Bd. Members Allan*, Gripe, Juby*, Molina*; Dev. Dir. VanKerkhoff &  
staff Zine, Toth; Environ. & Water Res. Dir. Wollnik & staff Orlik; KDOT Chief of  
Permitting Hohertz; ASAs Ford, O'Brien; ITD staff Peters; and members of the press  
and public.  
3.  
4.  
Remote Attendance Requests  
There were no remote attendance requests for today's meeting.  
Approval of Minutes: October 21, 2025  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT  
Mo Iqbal  
5.  
Public Comment  
Mary Davisson, St. Charles, explained that she was invited by her daughter to come  
live in St. Charles due to it being safe and tranquil, which she agreed to. However, two  
years later, all of it changed when a short-term rental (STR) opened up next door to her  
home. Davisson explained that it has become difficult to feel peaceful and secure in  
her own home. She spoke on the suspicious activities and un-neighborly conduct of  
those renting the neighboring home. She stated that her haven has now become  
unnerving and stressful. She is consistently on guard and watchful. She was  
encouraged to hear that the County was addressing STR properties. Her expectation  
was that the County was going to create a meaningful ordinance to elevate the  
concerns of the residential homeowners. However, after reading the proposal, she was  
disheartened. She stated that the proposed ordinance provides a broad and  
unenforceable accommodation for STR property owners to continue their operation.  
Davisson stated the most disturbing is that a full 180-day stay was deemed reasonable,  
which disturbs the neighbor's way of life for six months of the year. As the primary  
stakeholders, she requested that the Committee reconsider the 180-day stipulation and  
lower it to the absolute minimum threshold allowed by law. She explained that the  
neighbors in this area take care of one another and the community, but this is not the  
case with absentee property owners, whose investment is only in their bottom line. She  
thanked the Committee for studying this matter and their time.  
Susan Blassick, St. Charles, stated that STR's are nothing new and have been a  
popular option for family getaways. She explained that the majority of these rentals  
exist in resort towns or coastal vacation towns, where they fit in with the local  
community. With the AirBnB and VRBO platforms, STR homes were no longer located  
in popular vacation spots, but in private neighborhoods. Blassick explained that buying  
a home and renting it out to people became attractive to those trying to make a profit.  
Therefore, these rentals infiltrated into residential communities. She stated that the  
owners of these properties are investors, not a part of the community. Therefore, they  
have no vested interest in becoming part of the neighborhood, in which the property is  
located. She noted that numerous communities around the country have banned  
STR's. She would prefer that Kane County ban STR's in neighborhoods zoned  
residential, due to the fact that they do not add any value to the community and detract  
from the neighborhood. However, if there are legal hurdles to enforce a ban on STR's,  
she strongly suggested that the Committee change the proposed ordinance to mandate  
that all STR property owners be required to live in the property for a minimum of nine  
months a year, which will allow them to rent the home for the remaining three months.  
Alternatively, while the STR owners reside in the home for 12 months, they would be  
able to rent one or two rooms of their home the entire year. Blassick stated that this  
requirement would make the STR owner a more invested neighbor and minimize the  
housing shortage. Additionally, this would allow the STR owner to make an income  
stream for themselves without creating a nuisance for the neighborhood. Blassick  
questioned how STR businesses can be legally opened up in a zoned residential area.  
She stated that the neighbors of a STR have put much thought into this ordinance  
proposal, and even though there may be legal limitations, they would like to hear about  
why these actions cannot be taken. She thanked the Committee for their consideration  
on this issue and hopes for a carefully thought out ordinance.  
William Ronget, St. Charles, stated that he lives on a dead end street in unincorporated  
Kane County with eight other homes. He explained that when the STR located on his  
road, they hosted high-capacity events. The street can be filled with many varieties of  
vehicles. He questioned how first responders would be able to address an emergency  
situation. He explained that there are three homes where elderly neighbors reside at  
the end of the cul-de-sac. He questioned how they would be reached in an emergency  
situation, if first responders could not respond adequately. Additionally, when party  
buses and limos are parked on the road and block first responders from addressing an  
emergent situation, who is liable? Ronget stated this is a lawsuit waiting to happen. He  
wondered why the County is not moving forward in prohibiting or restricting STR's in  
Kane County. He provided several examples of other municipalities who have  
prohibited or restricted STRs. He stated that STRs provide zero value to the  
community, due to it being a business. He asked the Committee to understand that big  
business have no business in a residential neighborhood. (Madam Chairman Pierog  
arrived remotely at 10:42 a.m.)  
Deanna Davisson, St. Charles, thanked the Committee for the proposed STR  
ordinance. However, there is still a major disconnect between the actual needs of the  
community and the provisions of this proposal. If this was not the case and all of the  
community's concerns were addressed, there is still an issue of the ongoing lack of the  
ability to verify and enforce the ordinance. Davisson stated that Section 9 of the  
ordinance was created to do this, and has made it clear on the penalty for operating a  
STR without a license. However, those that operate with a license, any violation of any  
aspect of this ordinance to those with a license is met by a "play this by ear" mentality,  
which is not sufficient. Davisson explained that the neighbors needs to have built in  
protections for the safety and tranquility of their community. She noted that this does  
not exist with the current proposal. She stated that Section 3, Subsections F and G,  
addresses the inspections of infrastructure and safety, but are vague and unclear on  
what is expected. Additionally, there is no frequency on when these inspections need  
to be conducted or a specific checklist for safety expectations. Davisson stated that as  
a neighboring homeowner, she believes that it is her's and the STR homeowner's right  
to know, through public record, what will be required in these expectations. She  
explained that the idea of an independent contractor can be responsible for a safety  
inspection is not adequate. She stated that STR's are businesses that are opening up  
in residential areas. She explained that any other business that is opening up in Kane  
County has a safety inspection done by the respective agency that governs it.  
Therefore, the idea that this can be outsourced to the lowest bidder is not sufficient.  
She spoke on the lack of a mechanism to report violations. She stated that this will fall  
upon the neighboring homeowners to supervise the STR when occupied to ensure all  
regulations are being followed. She explained that the County is not providing any  
resources to make sure and maintain STRs are in code. She requested that a clear  
and concise mechanism be approved to report violations be added to the ordinance.  
Committee moved to agenda item 7B1: Petition # 4673 Petitioner: CFP.  
6.  
Monthly Financials  
Monthly Reports  
A.  
Chairman Williams stated the monthly financial reports were on file. No  
additional report was made.  
7.  
Building & Zoning Division  
A. Building & Zoning Report  
Dev. Dir. VanKerkhoff stated the monthly Building and Zoning Report was on file. He  
welcomed Building and Zoning Division Manger, Natalie Zine, to her new position. He  
explained that he will continue to serve as the County's Building Officer and Zoning  
Official, as Zine works with the day-to-day management and operations of the Building  
and Zoning Team. He reported that the Building and Zoning Division has continued to  
have a busy fall season with numerous single-family resident permits being submitted  
and the rush to complete various projects before winter. He noted that the division is  
fully staffed for winter. (Committee Ex-Officio Tepe left at 11:10 a.m.)  
B.  
Zoning Petitions  
Petition # 4673 Petitioner: CFP IL Orchard Solar, LLC  
1.  
Chairman Williams recused himself from this portion of the meeting due to his  
legal representation of Sugar Grove. He recommended that Development  
Vice-Chairman Iqbal chair the Committee for this portion of the meeting. The  
Committee conceded.  
Dev. Building & Zoning Division Mgr. Zine introduced Zoning Petition 4673: CFP  
IL Orchard Solar, LLC. She stated that this petition requested a Special Use  
Permit in the F-Farming Zoning District to allow for the development of a  
commercial solar energy facility on an approximately 87 acre property located on  
the north side of Jericho Road, east of IL Route 47, in Sugar Grove Township.  
She noted that the owner of the property is J G Properties, LLC. She shared  
multiple maps and photographs depicting the location and surrounding  
properties of the parcel. She stated this parcel is categorized as Critical Growth  
Area/Route 47 Corridor on the 2040 Conceptual Land Use Strategy and as  
Resource Management on the 2040 Land Use Analysis. She noted that most of  
the growth in the Resource Management category will be the result of municipal  
annexations and land use decisions. She explained that the City of Aurora did  
not have any objections and/or comments to the Special Use. The Village of  
Montgomery did not have any objections to the Special Use. However, they  
requested additional landscaping be planted to further screen any future  
development in the area. Additionally, the Village of Sugar Grove has objected  
to the Special Use. Zine shared the Village of Sugar Grove's objection letter and  
their 2023 Comprehensive Plan maps. She explained that according to Sugar  
Grove's future land use map, this area is located in their  
Agricultural/Undeveloped area. Additionally, Sugar Grove's letter mentioned a  
future extension of Gordon Road. (Madam Chairman Pierog arrived in-person at  
10:52 a.m) Zine stated that she does not see any future impact to this future  
roadway extension. She reviewed the proposed commercial solar facility's site  
plan. She stated that the plan does meet all of the State and County  
requirements for setbacks and distances. Zine shared the  
Landscape/Vegetation Plan and Fence Detail for the solar facility. Zine reviewed  
the stipulations of the Kane County Division of Transportation (KDOT) and the  
Sugar Grove Fire Protection District for the proposed site. She shared the  
results of the EcoCAT Report, the NRI Report, the Section 7 Consultation,  
United States Army Corps of Engineers, Illinois Nature Preserves Commission,  
Illinois Department of Agriculture, and Illinois State Historic Preservation Office.  
She reviewed the Zoning Board of Appeals' (ZBA) recommended stipulations  
and submitted objections. She stated that the ZBA voted to recommend the  
approval of this Special Use Permit. Zine and Dev. Dir. VanKerkhoff addressed  
questions and comments from the Committee. Much discussion ensued.  
Petitioner Gary LaNoce stated the project is about a half mile off of Jericho  
Road to the north. He noted that there is existing tree coverage located to the  
west of the project, which will make the facility not visible from a half mile away.  
He stated he is confident, because of the stated reasons, that this project won't  
impact the surrounding residential properties.  
Further discussion ensued.  
County Board  
RESULT:  
MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE  
County Board  
Bill Lenert  
TO:  
MOVER:  
SECONDER:  
Michael Linder  
Alex Arroyo, Mo Iqbal, and Michael Linder  
Vern Tepe, and Bill Lenert  
AYE:  
NAY:  
Gary Daugherty, and Sonia Garcia  
Rick Williams  
ABSENT:  
RECUSED:  
Committee Vice-Chairman turned the meeting back over to Chairman Williams.  
The Committee moved to agenda item 6A.  
8.  
Property Code Enforcement Division  
Monthly Report  
A.  
Dev. Dir. VanKerkhoff stated the monthly report was on file. He noted that the  
Property Code Enforcement team has been operating short-handed this past  
month, but is now fully staffed. VanKerkhoff addressed questions and comments  
from the Committee.  
9.  
Planning & Special Projects  
Monthly Report  
A.  
Dev. Planning Division Mgr. Toth stated the monthly report was on file. He  
explained that most of these projects are reported to other standing committees,  
such as the Environmental and Energy Committee, Agriculture Committee, and  
the Jobs Committee.  
Amending Chapter 2 (Administration), Article IX (Administrative Adjudication),  
Section 2-320 (Adoption of System of Administrative Adjudication) and Chapter  
7 (Business and Commercial Regulations) of the Kane County Code to Provide  
for Regulation of Short-Term Rentals in Unincorporated Areas of Kane County  
B.  
Committee Vice-Chairman Iqbal introduced his proposed amendments to Exhibit  
A of this ordinance. He would like Section 3: Application and Registration, to  
read as follows: "All Short-tem rentals shall be registered annually with the Kane  
County Development & Community Services Department. Applications for new  
Short-term rental licenses and renewals of Short-term rental licenses shall be on  
a form created by the Kane County Development & Community Services  
Department, which shall include, but not limited to, the following information:".  
He requested that Section 3, Subsection B read "Full name and valid contact  
information for person or company who will serve as local agent on behalf of the  
Owner for the Short-term rental." He suggested that Section 3, Subsection D  
read, "A copy of the proposed short-term rental listing, which includes the total  
number of bedrooms, toilets, and parking spaces, as well as, the maximum  
numbers of guests residing in the short-term rental. Additionally, he stated that  
Section 4: Property Requirements, Subsection B should read, "Replace this old  
regulation with new 2023 smoke detector regulations. All smoke detectors and  
carbon monoxide detectors must be tested before the Short-term rental period  
states." Iqbal requested that Section 6: Notice to neighbors, reads as follows:  
"Upon approval of application for a new Short-term rental license or a renewal  
Short-term rental renewal license, but at least one (1) week prior to the first  
rental in any calendar year, the owner of the Short-term rental shall send a letter  
by certified, return receipt mail to all of the adjoining property owners of record  
informing them that the property has been approved as a Short-term rental. The  
owner of the Short-term rental shall provide the Kane County Development and  
Community Services Department with proof of mailing." Much discussion  
ensued.  
Chairman Williams explained that as someone that sends numerous certified  
letters, he has found that people do not sign for certified mail. He suggested that  
the notification be sent out through certified mail and regular mail and that the  
proof of mailing be established by an affidavit. Further discussion ensued.  
Williams requested that Section 9: Violation, Subsection B read as follows: "A  
person operating a Short-term rental without a license or otherwise in violation of  
this ordinance may be subject to a fine that is the maximum imposed by law.  
Each day a violation under this subsection exists constitutes a separate  
offense." He explained that property owners can have a license and still violate  
the ordinance. Discussion ensued.  
The Committee provided consensus to have these stipulations added to the  
County's ordinance.  
This ordinance was held until the next Development Committee meeting  
scheduled for December 16, 2025. (Committee Member Iqbal left at 11:42 a.m.)  
RESULT:  
Subdivision  
HELD OVER  
10.  
Variation-Cheval-de-Selle Unit 1, Lot 43  
A.  
Environ. Mgmt. Dev. Tech. Orlik presented the Variance for the Cheval De Salle  
Subdivision Unit one, Lot 43 in Campton Township. She explained that the  
owner of the property wishes to reduce the 40-foot setback along Citation Lane  
to 23 feet to allow for the construction of a garage. She shared aerial  
photographs depicting the location of the parcel. She reviewed the Subdivision  
Plat and the Site Plan Exhibit. She added that since the recording of the plat,  
there has been a 20-foot Ameritech easement granted along the property line.  
Additionally, there is an existing tree line and septic tank, which all will hinder  
where the homeowner will be able to build. She shared the Technical Staff's  
recommendations. Staff recommends approval of the variance. Orlik addressed  
questions and comments from the Committee. Discussion ensued.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE  
Michael Linder  
Alex Arroyo  
SECONDER:  
Rick Williams, Alex Arroyo, Michael Linder, and Bill Lenert  
Gary Daugherty, Sonia Garcia, Mo Iqbal, and Vern Tepe  
AYE:  
ABSENT:  
11.  
12.  
Environmental Resources  
None.  
New Business  
Chairman Williams spoke on the landscaping requirements for solar farms. He  
explained that he asked County Board Member Gripe to set up a meeting with Kane  
County Forest Preserve Executive Director, Ben Haberthur, to speak on this matter.  
Williams stated that this meeting will be set up in the near future.  
Williams addressed the County's sound ordinance. He explained that a few years ago,  
the County tried to come up with an updated sound ordinance. However, there was a  
problem with how the Sheriff's Office would interpret the regulations to enforce the  
sound code. Williams stated that the County needs to set a day and night sound  
decibel standard. He noted that Dev. Dir. VanKerkhoff sent out Kendall County's sound  
ordinance for reference. He suggested that ASA Ford look into this policy and present  
stipulations for the sound ordinance. The Committee conceded.  
Lastly, Williams spoke on Campton Township's chronic trespassing on homeowner  
association owned ponds. He stated that the County has been looking into ways on  
how to address this situation. He explained that the possible recommendation is to  
declare it as a violation of the State Trespassing Statute. ASA Ford stated that there  
can be an ordinance prepared to add trespassing to the nuisance section of the Kane  
County Code. He explained that this would allow those that are trespassing on land  
that is appropriately marked, or received verbal notice, to be fined as a nuisance  
violation. He added that the criminal code allows for counties to declare what  
nuisances are. The Committee conceded to move forward with this.  
13.  
Reports Placed On File  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT  
Bill Lenert  
14.  
15.  
Executive Session (if needed)  
None.  
Adjournment  
RESULT:  
APPROVED BY VOICE VOTE  
Michael Linder  
Bill Lenert  
MOVER:  
SECONDER:  
This meeting was adjourned at 11:49 AM.  
Savannah Zgobica  
Sr. Recording Secretary