Committee approves data center moratorium
The Jefferson County Planning & Zoning Committee in Wisconsin unanimously voted to propose an 18-month moratorium on data center development. This action aims to provide the county with time to establish clear zoning ordinances and definitions for data centers, preventing them from being unprepared for future applications. The moratorium would apply to areas within the county's zoning jurisdiction, excluding incorporated cities and villages.
The Jefferson County Planning & Zoning Committee unanimously voted to propose an 18-month moratorium on data center development, following a period of public comment. This decision came as the committee, led by Vice-Chair Steve Nass, seeks to proactively establish comprehensive zoning ordinances and definitions for data centers, rather than being caught unprepared by future development applications.
Jefferson County Planning and Development Director Matt Zangl noted that no data center applications are currently on hand, but stressed the lengthy process of amending ordinances and defining data centers, which could take up to nine months or longer. He also highlighted that other Wisconsin counties, including Dodge, Dane, and Manitowoc, have already implemented similar moratoriums. The proposed moratorium would apply only to towns within the county's zoning jurisdiction, not to incorporated cities or villages.
Supervisor Amanda Kaiser encouraged public engagement and emphasized that citizens' voices are being heard. Vice-Chair Nass's motion, seconded by Committee Chair George Jaeckel, was passed unanimously, with the intention of bringing it to the County Board for approval in July. The committee plans to use the 18-month period to gather information and expertise, potentially collaborating with agencies like those in Dane County.