Chippewa County passes 12-month moratorium on data centers
The Chippewa County Board has enacted a 12-month moratorium on data center development. This period will allow county staff to research and create specific land use regulations for data centers, citing concerns over extensive electrical and water demands. The moratorium applies to townships under county zoning, not cities or villages.
The Chippewa County Board passed a 12-month moratorium on data center development during its meeting, with an 18-0 vote. This action, which is now in effect, aims to restrict the construction of new data centers in areas covered by county zoning for one year.
During this moratorium period, the county staff has been directed to research and develop comprehensive land use regulations specifically for data centers. The board's decision was prompted by concerns over the extensive electrical, water, and other infrastructure demands that new data centers impose.
Currently, Chippewa County lacks specific zoning definitions or regulations for data centers. The moratorium is not intended to permanently prevent future data center development but rather to provide sufficient time to establish regulations that protect public health, safety, and general welfare. The measure specifically applies to the six townships that have adopted county zoning, excluding land within cities, villages, or towns not utilizing county zoning.