Without zoning ordinances, townships may have little say over data centers
Otter Tail County officials are discussing the lack of zoning ordinances in many townships, which could leave them powerless if a data center developer purchases rural land. Commissioners are considering implementing a county-wide moratorium on data centers to allow time to develop appropriate ordinances. This highlights the challenges townships face in regulating such developments without dedicated staff or resources.
The Otter Tail County Board recently discussed the limited regulatory power that townships without zoning ordinances would have over data center developments. Commissioner Dan Bucholz initiated the conversation after a constituent expressed concerns about a potential data center in a rural area within a township he serves.
Commissioner Wayne Johnson noted that currently, the county has little authority over developments outside of lakeshore areas if townships lack their own zoning. He suggested that the county could impose a moratorium on data center construction to provide time for the development of a county-wide ordinance. This approach mirrors a previous moratorium implemented for THC product sales, which allowed the county to create regulations to assist townships and cities.
Christopher LeClair, Otter Tail County Land and Resource Management Director, did not respond to inquiries regarding the accuracy of Johnson's understanding. Graham Berg-Moberg, a staff attorney for the Minnesota Association of Townships, explained that few townships have zoning ordinances due to the substantial cost and lack of specialized staff needed for administration and enforcement. He also highlighted potential concerns regarding volunteer fire departments needing specialized equipment and training for data center-related incidents.
Klara Beck, Fergus Falls Community Development Director, indicated that within the city, a data center would likely be classified as industrial use under existing code, but deferred to the City Council regarding the need for specific data center regulations. The ongoing discussions underscore a broader issue for rural townships in Minnesota as interest in data center development expands into non-urban areas.