Winnebago County Board Tackles Creation of a Data Center Ordinance
The Winnebago County Board of Supervisors is developing an amendment to its zoning ordinance to regulate data centers, crypto mining, solar, and battery fields. The amendment will address concerns such as noise, water, and electricity usage, with further discussions scheduled for October 13th. This action is partly influenced by nearby Hancock County's issues with data centers and a rejected moratorium.
The Winnebago County Board of Supervisors has begun authoring an amendment to its existing zoning ordinance, aiming to regulate emerging industries such as crypto mining, solar farms, data centers, and battery fields. The decision comes as the county already hosts a small crypto mining operation and considers issues faced by neighboring Hancock County, where a data center moratorium was twice rejected. Supervisor Susan Smith indicated that the county would build upon its current zoning framework, with the amendment defining newer terminologies.
Board members agreed to involve various department heads and committees, as advised by Winnebago County Auditor Karla Weiss to the Zoning Board, to ensure comprehensive input on zoning and construction. Discussions during the meeting included concerns over water and electricity usage, which supervisors emphasized would require thorough research for authenticity.
Supervisor Terry Durby outlined proposed restrictions, including regulations on noise and requirements for closed-loop water and cooling systems. The Board is scheduled to continue its discussions on the amendment at a meeting on October 13th.