Proposed Special Use Permit at 624 Ashford Court

The City of Champaign Planning and Development Department has received an application for Special Use Permit to allow a solar array, defined as a power generation facility, in Section 37-30 (link to Section 37-30) of the Champaign City Code. Power generation facilities are permitted in the I1, Light Industrial zoning district with the approval of a Special Use Permit (link to Section 37-66.4). The property was first developed and operated as a fueling station with another owner. The current owner wishes to construct a sub-500 kW solar array that will be fenced and a warehouse building to house contractor storage and vehicles. Before applying for a building permit, a Special Use Permit is required. The proposed site plan shows an additional one-store 3,000 square foot storage facility and future battery storage on the property.

Development of the storage building or battery storage are allowed in this zoning district with only a building permit but will be tied to the solar array's special use permit. All development on this site will need a separate building permit, whether the special use permit request is a approved or not.

The Champaign Plan Commission will hold a public hearing at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, in the City Council Chambers located at 102 North Neil Street, Champaign to hear the proposal and to consider any input and comments from neighbors. The public is invited to attend the meeting to provide input and ask questions.