Shawnee County commissioners approve temporary moratorium for new data center applications
Shawnee County commissioners have approved a temporary moratorium on new data center applications until February 17, 2027, with a 2-1 vote. This decision allows the county to conduct further studies on data center development. While new applications cannot proceed to final action, companies like Compass Datacenters can still resubmit incomplete applications.
The Shawnee County commissioners have approved a temporary moratorium on new data center applications by a vote of 2-1. This decision means no final action can be taken on future data center applications until February 17, 2027.
Commissioner Kevin Cook proposed the moratorium. He clarified that the measure does not prevent companies from filing applications, nor does it halt the work of the Land Use Development Office, or the hiring of engineers and experts for studies. Cook emphasized that the moratorium allows the Planning Commission to hold public hearings while signaling to the public that the commissioners will ultimately control development.
Commissioner Bill Riphahn was the sole dissenter, stating he wished to have input on the decision before his term concludes. The commissioners also indicated they are actively seeking an engineering team to conduct further studies and research on data center development. Notably, Compass Datacenters, which had previously submitted an incomplete application, is still permitted to resubmit it.