P&Z Commission unanimously recommends four-month data center moratorium

The Marshalltown Planning and Zoning Commission, during a heavily attended meeting, unanimously recommended that the city council enact a four-month moratorium on new data center construction and waive additional readings for quick adoption. The recommendation follows growing community attention and a desire for more informed decision-making regarding data center developments, with all public commenters at the meeting speaking in favor of the pause. The city council is scheduled to vote on the moratorium on Monday.

Following the moratorium discussion, the commission, led by Chairman Jon Boston, delved into potential regulations for data centers. Assistant Housing and Community Development Director/Zoning Administrator Clayton Ender presented findings and staff recommendations, while Marshalltown Water Works General Manager Zach Maxfield addressed concerns about water capacity. Maxfield stated that the current system cannot support large data centers but noted a new treatment plant, expected by spring 2028, will increase capacity. Commissioners also debated closed-loop water systems and the application of regulations to all heavy water and electrical users to avoid singling out data centers.

Discussions also touched on electricity grid connections, with Boston advocating against data centers building their "own little power plants" unless for backup. The commission considered zoning classifications and limiting the size of data center buildings, with Boston expressing a desire to prevent "monster buildings" like the Meta campus in Altoona. Economic development opportunities, including long-term construction jobs, were also acknowledged. Staff will continue researching regulations in other communities and gather public input at an upcoming roundtable.