Dane County approves 18-month data center moratorium
The Dane County Board of Supervisors has approved an 18-month moratorium on permits and zoning approvals for hyperscale data centers in unincorporated areas. This pause allows county officials to study the environmental, economic, health, and infrastructure impacts of these facilities. The measure now awaits approval from County Executive Melissa Agard.
The Dane County Board of Supervisors in Wisconsin has approved an 18-month moratorium on new permits and zoning approvals for hyperscale data centers within the county's unincorporated areas. The decision, made on Thursday, aims to provide officials with time to thoroughly study the potential environmental, economic, health, and infrastructure impacts associated with these large-scale facilities.
This pause specifically targets hyperscale data centers, defined as those housing at least 5,000 servers and occupying 10,000 square feet or more. Smaller data center projects and developments within cities and villages that have their own zoning authority are exempt from the moratorium. County officials stated that the primary objective is to allow for the development of updated zoning rules that adequately address the unique challenges posed by data center development.
The approved measure now proceeds to County Executive Melissa Agard for final approval.