Ellsworth, Wisconsin, approves temporary data center ban
The Ellsworth Plan Commission unanimously approved a temporary zoning ordinance to prevent the establishment of data centers in the village for up to two years. This interim measure allows the Plan Commission and Village Board to research the issue and implement appropriate, permanent controls. Concerns about power and water usage of data centers were a primary driver for the ordinance.
The Ellsworth Plan Commission in Ellsworth, Wisconsin, unanimously approved an interim zoning ordinance amendment that temporarily blocks the establishment of data centers within the village. This ordinance can remain in effect for up to two years, providing the Plan Commission and Village Board time to research the industry and develop permanent regulations.
Village Administrator/Clerk-Treasurer Brad Roy clarified that the existing ordinance did not explicitly permit data centers, but it was outdated. The temporary amendment explicitly prohibits data centers, allowing for a comprehensive review and the implementation of appropriate controls. The commission also intends to refine the ordinance's wording to avoid impacting businesses with minor IT infrastructure.
Commission members voiced concerns regarding the substantial power and water consumption of data centers. James Mennenga emphasized the necessity of safeguarding the village's power sources, including those within the extraterritorial zoning (ETZ) area. The temporary measure broadly defines "data centers" to encompass various data processing and storage facilities, including AI data centers, server farms, and cryptocurrency mining operations.
Separately, the Village Board met in a special closed session to discuss an alleged altercation involving Trustee Tony Hines and approved a motion to provide legal defense for Hines in a pending injunction action, which is scheduled for a hearing on July 30.