Outagamie County zoning rewrite could restrict data centers
Outagamie County, Wisconsin, is undertaking its first comprehensive zoning code rewrite since 1989. County officials are exploring options to restrict data center development within certain towns due to concerns over water, land, and power usage. The new regulations are slated for adoption by the end of the year, with discussions currently in the early stages.
Outagamie County, Wisconsin, is engaged in a substantial overhaul of its land use and development regulations, marking the first comprehensive rewrite of its Zoning Code since 1989. Kevin Englebert, the county's Development and Land Services director, indicated that this multi-year effort, initiated in 2023, aims to update regulations for modern development types, including data centers, to safeguard the county's natural resources and population.
County Board Supervisor Steven Thiede confirmed that county leaders are in the initial phases of determining how data centers will be addressed, with some support for outright exclusion from the new code. Thiede emphasized widespread concerns regarding the water, land, and power consumption associated with data centers, advocating for a more deliberate approach to their development.
While cities and other municipalities within Outagamie County would retain their own zoning authority, any new county-level restrictions would specifically impact certain towns. The article notes that neighboring Shawano and Winnebago counties are also considering moratoriums on data center development. The Outagamie County code rewrite is expected to be adopted by the close of the current year.