JoCo Board of Supervisors extends data center moratorium
The Johnson County Board of Supervisors unanimously extended the county’s moratorium on data center rezoning, permits, and construction for nine months, through Aug. 8, 2027. County staff will use the extension to study potential impacts on water resources, land patterns, roads, parking, and natural features while drafting possible regulations.
The Johnson County Board of Supervisors in Iowa extended an existing moratorium on data center rezoning, permits, and construction in unincorporated areas through Aug. 8, 2027. The board may end the moratorium early if county research and public hearings are completed sooner. No data center projects are currently planned in the county, although development is occurring in neighboring Iowa counties.
Joe Wilensky, a planner with the Johnson County Planning, Development, and Sustainability Department, said the pause will allow county staff to research data center impacts on water resources, land patterns, natural features, parking, and roads. Planning Director Nate Mueller presented the proposed extension after county officials and advisory bodies requested more time to study potential ordinance amendments and develop regulations suited to Johnson County.