Sheboygan Common Council Sends Data Center Moratorium to Plan Commission

The Sheboygan Common Council recently voted 7-3 to advance a proposed data center moratorium, referring it to the City Plan Commission for consideration. This ordinance, introduced by Alders Susie Boorse, Michael Close, Alanza Grawien, and Grazia Perrella, aims to establish a temporary ban on zoning and building permit approvals for data centers exceeding 10,000 square feet. The stated purpose of this moratorium is to grant the city sufficient time to formulate reasonable regulations for data center development and to adapt to potential changes in state law. Proponents argue that the measure is crucial for protecting the health, safety, and general welfare of Sheboygan. Alders Erin Bremser, Dean Dekker, Bryan Kelly, Perrella, Grawien, Close, and Boorse supported sending the proposal to the Plan Commission, while Alders Joe Heidemeann, Ryan Menzer, and Trey Mitchell voted against it. The timeline for the Plan Commission to take up this matter has not yet been determined.