McHenry County Data Center Moratorium Proposal 2026
McHenry County officials are considering a 12-month moratorium on new data center applications in unincorporated areas. The proposal would pause zoning, site plan, variance and building permit activity while the county develops regulations, with groundwater supply and energy use among the main concerns.
McHenry County officials are considering a 12-month moratorium covering new data center applications and related zoning and building-permit processes in unincorporated areas. The county currently has no data center-specific rules, and the Planning, Environment and Development Committee is expected to discuss the proposal before a possible full County Board vote.
Water availability is a central concern because McHenry County relies on groundwater aquifers for its municipal and domestic supply. Residents and opponents have also raised concerns about electricity demand, rate impacts and transparency as Illinois faces rapid data center growth. The proposal would not apply to incorporated communities, and its timeline remains uncertain.