Sheboygan data center moratorium considered | FOX6 News Milwaukee

Jason Calie reported from FOX6 News Milwaukee that the city of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, is considering a one-year moratorium on data center permits and approvals. Although there are currently no public plans for a data center in Sheboygan, local opponents are concerned about potential future developments. The proposed moratorium would apply to data centers exceeding 10,000 square feet on a single parcel, provided the data center is the primary use of the site. It would not affect smaller centers or those integrated with another main use. The Sheboygan Common Council voted 7-3 to advance the proposal to the City Plan Commission, which is scheduled to meet on May 12th. Following the commission's review, the proposal will return to the Common Council for a final decision. Public comments at a recent meeting highlighted concerns about the rapid growth of the AI data industry, with some residents feeling it is "out of control" or beyond local oversight. Others on the council noted a lack of balanced discussion, primarily hearing opposition to data centers. The report also touched on statewide efforts, mentioning a bill in the Wisconsin Assembly that sought to impose new restrictions on data centers. However, that bill is now considered "dead" after failing to pass the Senate. The issue of data center development is also emerging as a topic on the campaign trail for Wisconsin's upcoming gubernatorial election. Separately, Port Washington voters recently enacted an ordinance limiting tax incremental financing for major data center complexes, requiring future approvals via referendum.