Oliver County Commissioners repeal moratorium on data centers

Oliver County, North Dakota - Oliver County Commissioners voted to repeal a 180-day moratorium on data center development during a special meeting held on Thursday. The decision effectively allows data center construction to proceed in the county, reversing a temporary halt that had been in place for several months following public debate and resident concerns regarding proposed projects. Oliver County State's Attorney Patrick Waters confirmed that an application for a zoning amendment to permit a data center was received immediately after the commissioners' vote. This application will now undergo the county's standard approval procedures, including public notice, a public hearing, and review by the planning and zoning department. The special meeting on Thursday did not include a public comment session, as it is not a requirement for such meetings.