Manitowoc County Formally Introduces Data Center Ordinance
Manitowoc County has formally introduced a new 24-page ordinance to regulate data center construction. The ordinance defines data centers, sets size limits including agricultural land conversion, and outlines extensive submission requirements for developers. It will undergo public review before a County Board discussion, public hearing, and vote.
Manitowoc County has finalized and formally introduced an ordinance addressing data center construction within the county. The 24-page proposal was presented at the Planning and Park Commission meeting and is based on extensive research and public feedback.
The ordinance defines a data center as a facility of 50,000 square feet or larger, occupying 10 or more contiguous acres, and housing at least 1,000 servers. It caps data center developments at 500 acres, with a further restriction that no more than 100 acres can be converted from agricultural use. For context, a data center under construction in Port Washington is cited as 2.5 million square feet on a 672-acre campus.
Prospective data center developers in Manitowoc County will be required to submit comprehensive plans, including site, development, building, and equipment plans, along with detailed proposals for power infrastructure, backup power, emergency generation, water supply and use, wastewater management, and air quality.
The full draft of the ordinance is available on the County website for public review and feedback. Following this period, the Manitowoc County Board will deliberate on the proposal, likely conduct a public hearing, and then proceed to a vote on its adoption.