Porter Township passes one-year data center moratorium

Porter Township in Cass County, Michigan, has enacted a one-year moratorium on data center developments, with the option to extend it for an additional year if deemed necessary. The Porter Township Board members voted unanimously to approve the ordinance, a decision spurred by concerns voiced by residents during public comment.

This action aligns with similar moratoriums being implemented across multiple townships within Cass County, providing local governments with time to adjust their zoning rules in anticipation of potential interest from data center developers. Richard Drews, a Porter Township Board supervisor, acknowledged the challenge of drafting an ordinance that complies with Michigan's Zoning Enabling Act, which prohibits local governments from enacting exclusionary zoning that bans legitimate land uses. Resident Laura Sherman expressed support for the township's deliberate approach to ensure legal compliance.

The moratorium is set to officially take effect within the coming week, following processing by the township's attorney. Board members emphasized that they have not engaged in any non-disclosure agreements with developers or been approached by them. Drews noted he is neither opposed nor fully in favor of data centers, but believes they require specific restrictions.