Chippewa County Considers 10-Month Moratorium on New Data Centers
Chippewa County, Wisconsin, is considering a 10-month moratorium on new large-scale data centers to update its zoning ordinances. The Planning and Zoning Committee will hold a public hearing on August 3 and is scheduled to vote on the measure in September. The proposed halt would apply to six towns within the county.
Chippewa County, Wisconsin, is exploring a temporary halt on new large-scale data center developments. The Chippewa County Planning and Zoning Committee has put forth a proposal for a 10-month moratorium, intending to use this period to develop updated zoning regulations for the expanding data center industry.
Andy Albarado, Chippewa County Administrator, emphasized the need to modernize existing zoning ordinances to accommodate new industries. He stated that the moratorium would serve as a "pause button" to allow for information gathering, public input, and a thorough review process by the planning and zoning committee.
If approved, the moratorium would commence in September and conclude in July 2027. It would specifically apply to six towns within Chippewa County that adhere to the county's zoning ordinances: Anson, Eagle Point, Hallie, Lafayette, Wheaton, and Woodmohr. Although there are currently no data center projects proposed in the county, officials aim to be proactive in establishing clear guidelines for future developments.
A public hearing on the proposed moratorium is scheduled for August 3 at 5 p.m. at the Chippewa County Courthouse to gather community feedback. The Planning and Zoning Committee is slated to vote on the measure in September.