What’s Next For County Data Center Ordinance? Joint Meeting Of Commission P&Z Board Slated Thursday
Yankton County officials will hold a joint work session to revise a proposed data center ordinance that would effectively prohibit facilities larger than 25 megawatts and require conditional-use approval. The county has an active six-month moratorium on new data centers, while residents debate setbacks, utility costs, water use, environmental impacts and future economic development.
The Yankton County Commission and Planning and Zoning Board will meet Nov. 12 to review Article 30, a proposed ordinance regulating data centers. The draft would prohibit facilities larger than 25 megawatts, require conditional-use permits and comprehensive plans, and impose requirements involving setbacks, screening, lighting, fencing and public safety. County officials could hold a first reading in December and vote on the ordinance in January.
The county previously enacted a six-month moratorium while developing the rules. More than 1,300 residents signed a petition supporting an ordinance, and speakers including Julie Auch called for a half-mile setback and stronger protections. Other residents and Yankton Thrive CEO Nancy Wenande discussed economic growth, while opponents raised concerns about electricity costs, water consumption, agriculture, environmental effects and infrastructure impacts. The Planning and Zoning Board and County Commission must complete the ordinance process because county officials were advised they could not place the issue directly on the ballot.