Boone County Commissioners Approve Moratorium On Data Centers
Boone County Commissioners have unanimously approved a one-year moratorium on new data center development in unincorporated areas. This action allows the county to evaluate potential impacts and update its planning and zoning regulations. The moratorium is in effect until June 15, 2027.
The Boone County Board of Commissioners in Indiana has unanimously approved a one-year moratorium on new data center development within its unincorporated areas, effective June 16, 2024, and lasting until June 15, 2027.
This decision, which followed a favorable recommendation from the Boone County Area Plan Commission, aims to provide county officials with time to study the potential impacts of data center development on land use, infrastructure, utilities, agriculture, and rural character. Boone County Commissioner President Tim Beyer stated the moratorium will ensure county policies align with long-term goals and resident priorities as the county experiences significant growth.
The Area Plan Commission had previously recommended the moratorium after discussions about the implications of emerging data center development. The ordinance specifically targets new facilities in unincorporated Boone County and does not affect existing data centers or other types of development.
County leaders noted that their current Comprehensive Plan (2009) and Zoning Ordinance (1998) do not adequately address modern data center development or its potential impacts, making this period crucial for updating these foundational documents.