Cass County, Illinois solar and wind ordinance
Solar: 150 ft (not part of the Special Use permit) from homes. Wind: 1.1 × height (from the property line of the nonparticipating property) from property lines, 2.1 × height (from the nearest point on the outside wall of the structure) from homes, 1.1 × height (to the center point of the public road right-of-way) from roads. Every figure is quoted from the county's ordinance, read October 8, 2026.
Updated October 2026
Solar rules
4 figures read from the county's ordinance, each with the sentence it comes from.
| Rule and what the ordinance says | Requirement |
|---|---|
Property line setbackproperty that is not a part of the special use permit applicationSolar panels shall be setback a minimum of fifty (50) feet from all property lines of property that is not a part of the special use permit application. | 50 ft |
Setback from homesnot part of the Special Use permitSolar panels shall be kept at least one hundred and fifty (150) feet from an Occupied Community Building or principal residential dwelling that is not part of the Special Use permit. | 150 ft |
Setback from drainage structurejurisdiction of the Drainage DistrictWhere a CSES is located within a Drainage District, Solar Panels will be set back at least two hundred forty (240) feet from any drainage structure under the jurisdiction of the Drainage District. | 240 ft |
Fence heightperimeter fencingPerimeter fencing having a maximum height of eight (8) feet shall be installed around the boundary of the CSES. | 8 ft |
Source: Cass County ordinance (PDF), read October 8, 2026. Check the cited section with the county before relying on a figure.
Wind rules
5 figures read from the county's ordinance, each with the sentence it comes from.
| Rule and what the ordinance says | Requirement |
|---|---|
Property line setbackfrom the property line of the nonparticipating propertyBoundary Lines of Nonparticipating Property 1.1 times the maximum blade tip height of the wind tower to the nearest point on the property line of the nonparticipating property | 1.1 × height |
Setback from homesfrom the nearest point on the outside wall of the structureOccupied Community Buildings 2.1 times the maximum blade tip height of the wind tower to the nearest point on the outside wall of the structure | 2.1 × height |
Road setbackto the center point of the public road right-of-wayPublic Road Rights - of - Way 1.1 times the maximum blade tip height of the wind tower to the center point of the public road right-of-way | 1.1 × height |
Setback from Fish and Wildlife Areas and Illinois Nature Preserve Commission Protected Landsto the nearest point on the property line of the fish and wildlife area or protected landFish and Wildlife Areas and Illinois Nature Preserve Commission Protected Lands 2.1 times the maximum blade tip height of the wind tower to the nearest point on the property line of the fish and wildlife area or protected land | 2.1 × height |
Setback from homes, participating ownerfrom the nearest point on the outside wall of the structureParticipating Residences 1.1 times the maximum blade tip height of the wind tower to the nearest point on the outside wall of the structure | 1.1 × height |
Source: Cass County ordinance (PDF), read October 8, 2026. Check the cited section with the county before relying on a figure.
Illinois state law
State law can cap or override county rules. All Illinois rules and counties.
Limits on local rules
Counties cannot ban commercial solar in agricultural or industrial zones and cannot set standards stricter than the state's.
55 ILCS 5/5-12020 (Public Act 102-1123). Source
Solar standards in state law
Counties may adopt these standards but nothing stricter.
| Homes (non-participating) | 150 ft |
| Schools, churches, community buildings | 150 ft |
| Property line (non-participating) | 50 ft |
| Public roads | 50 ft |
| Panel height at full tilt | 20 ft |
| Noise | IPCB limits |
55 ILCS 5/5-12020 (Public Act 102-1123). Source
Wind standards in state law
Counties may adopt these standards but nothing stricter.
| Homes (non-participating) | 2.1 × tip height |
| Schools, churches, community buildings | 2.1 × tip height |
| Property line (non-participating) | 1.1 × tip height |
| Public roads | 1.1 × tip height |
| Tip height | FAA no-hazard height |
| Noise | IPCB limits |
55 ILCS 5/5-12020 (Public Act 102-1123). Source
Every Illinois figure in one spreadsheet
157 figures from 23 counties, each with its quote, source, date read and any condition. 3 of those places are not on this site. Plus Illinois state law.
How these figures were read
We found Cass County's own ordinance and had two AI models read it separately. A figure is shown only when both read the same number and the sentence it comes from was found in the document. Moratoria and bans are checked against the adopting document. Ordinances change and many figures apply only in some cases, so check the cited section with the county before relying on one.
Common questions
What are the solar setbacks in Cass County, IL?
The county's ordinance sets solar facilities back 50 ft (property that is not a part of the special use permit application) from property lines and 150 ft (not part of the Special Use permit) from homes. Check the cited section with the county before relying on a figure.
What are the wind turbine setbacks in Cass County, IL?
The county's ordinance sets wind turbines back 2.1 × height (from the nearest point on the outside wall of the structure) from homes, 1.1 × height (from the property line of the nonparticipating property) from property lines and 1.1 × height (to the center point of the public road right-of-way) from roads. Check the cited section with the county before relying on a figure.