Winnebago County to create rules for developing data centers in unincorporated areas
Winnebago County is considering new regulations that would limit data centers in unincorporated areas to heavy industrial zones or general industrial sites approved through a special-use permit. The proposal includes setbacks and standards for noise, air emissions and wastewater, and will go to a public hearing before advancing to county officials.
Winnebago County officials are proposing rules to regulate data center development in unincorporated areas. The framework would allow facilities in heavy industrial zones and potentially in general industrial zones through a special-use permit, while prohibiting them in light industrial and other districts. It also calls for setbacks from homes and residential property lines and standards for noise, air emissions and wastewater.
County Board member Paul Arena said the goal is to address residents’ quality-of-life concerns without blocking all development. The proposal is scheduled for a public hearing before the Winnebago County Zoning Board of Appeals before moving to the county’s Zoning Committee and full County Board. No data center application is currently pending before the county.
A proposed hyperscale facility from Monarch Energy is being planned near Edson and Friday roads in southern Winnebago County, but the site falls under Rockford’s jurisdiction. Microsoft is separately seeking approval from the Cherry Valley Village Board for three data center buildings and two substations in neighboring Boone County. Rockford has also enacted a six-month moratorium while it studies data center regulations.