Janesville City Council passes 12-month data center moratorium
The Janesville City Council unanimously enacted a one-year moratorium on data centers. This pause will allow city staff to research environmental, economic, health, safety, and land-use impacts, and prepare specific zoning code and development standards for future data center projects.
The Janesville City Council voted unanimously to enact a one-year moratorium on data centers within the city, pausing all applications related to data center development, including rezoning, permits, and annexation requests. The ordinance was passed as residents prepare for a November referendum that could give voters a say in future major developments.
According to a staff memo, the moratorium's purpose is to allow city staff sufficient time to research the environmental, economic, health, safety, and land-use compatibility impacts of data centers. It will also facilitate the preparation of specific zoning code reviews and development standards for such projects, including the completion and consideration of a Data Center Companion Ordinance. During this period, city staff will not solicit or encourage data center development, nor enter into non-disclosure agreements related to these projects.