Lake County recently earned the highly coveted SolSmart Bronze Designation, furthering Lake County’s commitment to solar power growth in the community. Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy's SunShot Initiative, SolSmart recognizes local governments who take keys steps to reduce barriers to solar energy growth and makes it easier for homes and businesses to go solar. The County was awarded this designation by increasing transparency for community members and solar installers through an online permitting checklist and identifying restrictions that limited solar development.
Are you interested in installing solar power for your home or business? Learn more by visiting the County’s Solar Energy web page.
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Door-to-door salespeople working in unincorporated Lake County must register with the Lake County Clerk's office and carry a solicitor’s certificate while on the job. When a solicitor comes to your home, ask to see the certificate before conducting any business. Report any violations to the Lake County Sheriff’s office at 847-549-5200 where fines and penalties can be enforced.
The ordinance applies only to unincorporated Lake County and provides exemptions to religious groups, candidates, and minors under age 18 who participate in fundraising activities. If you live in a municipality or village, check with your local officials for your specific ordinances. Learn more
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The Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) reviews signals and enhances technology on county streets, which not only helps reduce delays but also can reduce CO2 emissions, which means you save money on fuel.
Recently LCDOT conducted a Signal Coordination and Timing Study on Lewis Avenue from Sunset Avenue to IL 173. By adjusting signal timing, enhancing technology, and coordinating signals through Lake County PASSAGE, we were able to decrease vehicle delay time to 403 hours per day and reduce fuel consumption by 4,380 gallons per year.
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Make your driving a little easier and use the newly updated and redesigned Lake County PASSAGE app for IOS or Android. PASSAGE is an Intelligent Transportation System designed to give users real-time traffic congestion updates and important local road information.
The Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) recently launched a new version of the PASSAGE app for the iPhone and iPad, and the updated app for Android has been available since November 2018. Downloads are available on the Apple Store or Google Play Store. Learn more
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With Lake County receiving significantly higher rainfall amounts, precipitation is a critical factor on flood damage reduction, economic impact, infrastructure design and regulations, and stormwater storage requirements for development sites. On June 6, 2019, the Stormwater Management Commssion (SMC) opened a 30-day public comment period to collect feedback.
As SMC provides guidance on how to review development and stormwater infrastructure projects, interested individuals are encouraged to submit their perspectives, ideas, and concerns. The information gathered will be considered to set new standards for the Watershed Development Ordinance, a countywide ordinance that sets forth minimum requirements for the stormwater management aspects of development within Lake County. Submit your comments by July 6 to Kurt Woolford at kwoolford@lakecountyil.gov. Learn more
Senate bills that will enhance service, address public health issues, and potentially lead to Lake County taxpayers saving money were passed by both the State House and Senate and are now on their way to the Governor’s Desk for signature.
Senate Bill 90 provides local municipalities and counties a new method of dissolving drainage districts. The bill gives Lake County’s Ad Hoc Drainage District Consolidation Committee additional options for streamlining services to maintain our rivers and streams as it looks for opportunities to consolidate local drainage districts while providing potential cost savings. Special thanks to Senate Sponsor Senator Dan McConchie and House Sponsor Representative Daniel Didech.
Senate Bill 1114 gives Lake County new options to quickly remove hazards, such as garbage, waste, or hazardous substances from properties that impact public health or safety. Right now, an Illinois code requires a 30-day notice before the County can remove these items. This new bill will allow the County to more rapidly address these hazards to protect people and property. Special thanks to Senate Sponsor Senator Melinda Bush and House Sponsor Representative Sam Yingling.
Both bills are among key priorities of Lake County. We would like to thank all our Lake County Legislators for their support during the Illinois 101st General Assembly 2019 Spring Session!
The Lake County Board approved at its June 11 meeting two intergovernmental agreements with the Village of Lake Villa for the Lake County Planning, Building and Development department to provide building inspection and plan review services for the Village. Lake Villa is located near the County’s largest concentration of current inspection activities - making it an efficient location to provide service while cutting driving time between inspections.
Lake Villa also will be the first community to use the County’s land management system. The County negotiated a “Shared Services” clause with its vendor to allow municipalities to use the system at a fraction of the County’s cost to purchase it. This not only provides cost savings for the Village and allows it to expand online permit services to residents and businesses, but it also makes it more efficient for the County to provide inspections and plan reviews since the County and Village will be using the same system.
Forest Preserve News
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Concerts in the Plaza at Independence Grove
Music lovers, dance lovers, outdoor lovers, get ready for award-winning performers playing under the stars at the annual Concerts in the Plaza music series. Eight concerts will be held at Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, June 18 through Aug. 6. From Beatles to the blues, from rock and bluegrass to swing and jazz, there's something for just about any music taste in this season's entertainment lineup. Learn more »
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Forest Preserves Look to Provide Added Protection for Rare Natural Areas
The Lake County Forest Preserves is looking to permanently protect some of its highest-quality natural areas that have rare plants, animals and other unique natural features by registering them into the Illinois Nature Preserves System. As a dedicated nature preserve, these remnant natural areas receive an added level of conservation protection by the District and the state to keep them ecologically sustainable. Learn more »
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Ray Lake Features Panoramic Views and History
Of the 65 properties owned and managed by the Lake County Forest Preserves, Ray Lake in Wauconda ranks sixth in terms of size. It took 12 separate land acquisitions to grow Ray Lake to its current 1,039 acres. The preserve got its start in 1992 with a small 7-acre parcel. It got its name in 1999 when the Lake County Forest Preserves purchased 401 acres from the Ray family.
Ray Lake visitors can hike, ride bikes or horses, and cross-country ski on a 2.3-mile gravel trail that loops around wetlands and open prairies. The trail also has three boardwalks and a scenic overlook. Learn more »
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Outdoor air monitoring has begun near Vantage Specialty Chemicals in Gurnee and Medline Industries in Waukegan. In partnership with the Lake County Health Department, the Village of Gurnee and City of Waukegan have hired GHD Services, Inc. to conduct the air monitoring to help officials better understand the levels of ethylene oxide (EtO) in the air. Samples will be collected every third day for 30 days, with additional samples being collected on random dates. Monitoring canisters will be sent to a laboratory for analysis, and the first results are expected within a few weeks. Learn more about Health Department activities related to EtO emissions.
Lake County Partners’ Big Event recently brought together hundreds of business and civic leaders to focus on continued collaboration and business growth. Companies and communities learned about the economic outlook in Lake County and got insight into the latest tools and trends that they need to fuel economic development. Watch this video to find out more. |
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Discover the Farmers Markets
Warm weather means it’s time to visit the farmers markets! Shop for fresh fruits, vegetables, baked treats and more while supporting local businesses at one of Lake County’s farmers markets. Check out our Farmers Market Finder to find a farmers market near you.
University Center Open House
Learn about more than 120 academic options available in Lake County from 17 colleges and universities as the University Center of Lake County hosts an open house from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. June 26. Representatives can answer questions about curriculum, admission, financial aid, and transferring credits from a prior institution. Register to attend.
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