Jefferson County works to finalize data center rules, moves towards public hearings
Jefferson County, Iowa, is actively working to finalize a proposed data center ordinance to establish standards for future developments before any specific proposals are submitted. The regulations aim to address significant demands on electricity, water, roads, and emergency services. Public hearings are expected soon, with a formal discussion planned for the July 20 Board of Supervisors meeting.
Jefferson County, Iowa, is in the process of drafting a comprehensive data center ordinance, drawing significant public interest with about 15 residents attending the second work session. County leaders, including Supervisor Susie Drish, emphasized their proactive approach to establish regulations before any developer submits a proposal, aiming to "plug the hole in the dike."
The proposed ordinance outlines the process and standards for large-scale data centers, specifically targeting facilities using over 20 megawatts of electricity or more than 50 gallons of water per minute. The regulations are designed to mitigate potential strains on local electricity, water infrastructure, roads, and emergency services. Discussions at the work session included the scope of the ordinance, with residents questioning its focus on large-scale facilities, and officials citing Fairfield-based Lisco as an example of other tech businesses to avoid unintentionally impacting.
County Attorney Chauncey Moulding advised supervisors to rely on objective standards for permit reviews to ensure decisions can withstand legal challenges, warning against overly restrictive language that could be interpreted as a de facto ban. Supervisor Lee Dimmitt questioned the sufficiency of crop suitability ratings as grounds for denial, while Supervisor Joe Ledger highlighted the urgency of moving the ordinance forward to potentially enact a moratorium. Although revisions are planned, including requirements for historical and archaeological impact surveys, the current draft is slated for discussion at the Jefferson County Board of Supervisors meeting on Monday, July 20, allowing the public its first formal opportunity to comment.