Marshall County Zoning Commission unanimously recommends six-month data center moratorium
The Marshall County Zoning Commission unanimously recommended a six-month moratorium on data center development to allow for further research into impacts and to draft proposed regulations. This recommendation now goes to the Board of Supervisors for approval. The county's action follows a similar moratorium enacted by the city of Marshalltown.
The Marshall County Zoning Commission has unanimously recommended a six-month moratorium on the development of data centers, AI computing facilities, data mining, and cryptocurrency operations. The recommendation, made during a regular session, aims to provide time for research into the impacts of such projects and to develop appropriate regulations.
Chairman Bill Hobson of the county commission explained that, like the city's Planning and Zoning Commission, their recommendations are subject to approval by the Board of Supervisors. County Zoning Administrator Tyler Kelley outlined the adoption process for the proposed ordinance, which would typically require three readings unless waived by the Supervisors. Jon Boston, chairman of Marshalltown's P&Z Commission, shared details of the city's own four-month moratorium, which legally took effect recently and is slated to run until November 23, with a potential 60-day extension.
During a public comment period, Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce President/CEO John Hall noted no discussions with developers for projects outside current city limits, though potential projects might seek annexation. Residents like Sheri Larsen and Layne Pieri voiced support for the moratorium, seeking time to understand proposed projects and expressing concerns about business entities researching their families and properties. Harold Lanning of rural Marshalltown also expressed strong opposition to annexing agricultural land into the city, criticizing the city's management of its current limits and the loss of prime farmland.