Marshall County Supervisors Enact Six-Month Data Center Moratorium
The Marshall County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a six-month moratorium on data center applications. This pause will allow the county to draft new regulations for data centers, AI computing, and cryptocurrency mining facilities in its unincorporated areas. Public comments were heard from residents supporting the moratorium and offering assistance with research.
The Marshall County Board of Supervisors officially enacted a six-month moratorium on applications for data centers, artificial intelligence computing facilities, and data/cryptocurrency mining operations within its unincorporated areas. The resolution passed unanimously during a recent regular meeting.
The moratorium aims to provide the county's Zoning Commission with time to draft comprehensive regulations, as noted by County Zoning Administrator Tyler Kelley, who stated the county would be "working from scratch" due to a lack of existing ordinances. County Attorney Jordan Gaffney supported the measure, emphasizing the flexibility it offers for the regulatory drafting process.
Public input was received, with residents like Maggie Valentine submitting written comments in favor of the pause. Sheri Larsen questioned whether the moratorium could be shortened if regulations are completed sooner, to which Board Chairman Jarret Heil confirmed it could be. Another resident, Annie Grieshop, offered to share her research on ordinances from other areas, highlighting a broader trend of counties setting resolutions while cities develop data centers.