Lancaster County Considers Data Center Moratorium

The Lancaster County Board of Commissioners is deliberating a 12-month moratorium on new data center developments while it drafts specific zoning regulations for these facilities. Although considered on Thursday, the resolution has not yet passed, with Commissioner Matt Schulte indicating revisions were made and a new vote is expected in two weeks. The proposed pause aims to address concerns about data centers' significant impacts on natural resources, infrastructure, utilities, and resident well-being, as current county zoning lacks specific provisions for such facilities.

Commissioner Schulte has received feedback from constituents regarding potential large-scale data centers in southern Lancaster County, particularly around Hallam, citing worries about water and electricity consumption. He emphasized the county's desire to ensure data centers are developed in appropriate locations. The moratorium, if enacted, would temporarily halt new construction, building permits, and conditional use permits within areas under county jurisdiction.

The resolution defines a data center specifically to exclude general business offices and retail. It also outlines a process for studying potential impacts, gathering public input, and reviewing industry standards, with a committee comprising county commissioners and staff from the Lincoln-Lancaster County Planning and Development Services and Engineering departments. Schulte clarified that the county does not intend to stop data center development entirely, but rather to ensure responsible placement. The proposed moratorium would not affect developments within cities or villages, such as a potential data center at Monolith in Hallam's jurisdiction.