County: Proposed data center moratorium would not affect Monticello

Wright County officials issued a clarification regarding a proposed emergency moratorium on data centers, stating it would not impact the planned data center development within the City of Monticello. This clarification addresses public confusion, particularly from social media posts, which mistakenly believed the moratorium would affect the city's projects. The county emphasized that its Planning & Zoning department's authority applies only to townships within Wright County, while cities maintain separate zoning powers. A public hearing on the proposed interim zoning ordinance is scheduled for the Wright County Board's May 19 meeting. If approved, this ordinance could impose a moratorium of up to 12 months on new data center applications and construction in areas under county jurisdiction. The county intends to use this period to study and amend official controls related to data center developments. The county's announcement comes amidst ongoing public debate concerning a proposed 550-acre data center campus in Monticello Township, near the city. While the site is in the township, its development involves annexation and processes with the City of Monticello. Recently, Monticello city officials approved a Data Center Planned Unit Development ordinance to establish standards for future projects within the city, though this ordinance did not approve a specific project itself.