Proposed data center moratorium tabled in northern Iowa county
The Hancock County Board of Supervisors has tabled a proposed moratorium on data center construction, opting instead to focus on drafting a comprehensive ordinance for data center operations. This decision follows a recent rejection of a rezoning request for a potential data center in the county.
The Hancock County Board of Supervisors has tabled a proposal to enact a moratorium on data center construction within the county. Supervisor Gary Rayhons advocated for developing a specific ordinance to regulate data center operations, viewing a moratorium as a temporary solution.
Supervisor Bud Jermeland supported an aggressive timeline for an ordinance that would also cover crypto mining, solar farms, and battery storage. However, Supervisor Florence "Sis" Greiman, the sole proponent of the moratorium, argued for slowing down the process to address existing ordinance issues.
This decision comes after the Hancock County Planning and Zoning Commission recently rejected a rezoning request near Garner for a potential data center. Following that vote, two commission members were disqualified due to living within Garner city limits, requiring the Board of Supervisors to appoint replacements.