Howell Township extends data center moratorium
Howell Township officials unanimously extended the township’s data center moratorium for another six months, preventing consideration or approval of new data center applications. The extension gives officials more time to develop permanent regulations governing where and how data centers could operate.
The Howell Township Board unanimously extended the township’s data center moratorium beyond its Nov. 20 expiration, continuing a prohibition first adopted in November 2025 and extended in May. The moratorium blocks new data center applications, although applicants may seek a waiver if the township determines it would not affect public health and safety and is consistent with the zoning ordinance.
Township Treasurer Jonathan Hohenstein said the Planning Commission, township planner and board must move quickly to complete the permanent ordinance, which could be about 30 pages. The Planning Commission is expected to review an attorney-prepared draft in October, hold a public hearing in November and potentially send the measure to the Livingston County Planning Commission in December, with the Township Board possibly considering it in January. The ordinance could establish development standards and identify areas where data centers would be allowed.