
Facing Its Third Data Center, an Iowa County Rolls Out Extensive Zoning Rules
News ClipInside Climate News·Linn County, IA·3/1/2026
Linn County, Iowa has adopted a comprehensive zoning ordinance for data centers in unincorporated areas, requiring detailed water studies, setbacks, and other protections in response to concerns from residents over potential water usage and impacts. The county is home to existing data centers operated by Google and QTS, and is facing plans for additional development.
zoningwaterelectricityannouncement
GoogleQTS
Gov: Linn County Board of Supervisors, Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Linn County has adopted some of the nation’s strictest data center zoning rules. Residents say the protections aren’t enough.