Boone County passes moratorium on data center development
Boone County Commissioners have approved a one-year moratorium on new data center development within the county's unincorporated areas. This decision aims to address concerns about data center growth and its impact while allowing the county to develop appropriate regulations.
Boone County Commissioners have unanimously approved a one-year moratorium on new data center developments in unincorporated areas of the county. The decision, made on Monday, November 27, 2023, followed a public hearing where residents and officials voiced concerns regarding the rapid proliferation of data centers, their significant demand for electricity and water, and potential strain on local infrastructure.
Commissioner Tim Horton emphasized the need for this temporary halt to allow the county to engage in comprehensive planning. The moratorium will provide officials with time to thoroughly study the impacts of data centers and to establish appropriate zoning ordinances and development standards for future projects. This measure is effective immediately and aims to create a structured framework for data center integration within the county.