Zionsville Town Council approves moratorium on data centers, wind and solar projects
The Zionsville Town Council has approved a one-year moratorium on data centers, solar farms, wind farms, and battery energy storage systems. This pause will allow the town's planning department and Plan Commission to review zoning codes, as there is currently no permitted land use for these types of developments. The goal is to research these projects, gather community feedback, and establish appropriate zoning regulations.
The Zionsville Town Council enacted a one-year moratorium on data centers, solar and wind farms, and battery energy storage systems on September 21, joining other municipalities in the region in pausing such developments.
This action directs the town’s planning department and the Zionsville Plan Commission to review existing zoning codes, which currently lack permitted land uses for these types of projects. Town Council President Jason Plunkett emphasized that the moratorium is intended for a thorough review of land use ordinances and to solicit recommendations, rather than an outright ban.
Town council attorney Heather Harris indicated that the decision was influenced by similar moratoriums in nearby areas, including Boone County's one-year pause on data centers in June, aiming to proactively manage potential developer interest in Zionsville. The council seeks to establish clear guidelines on where and if these projects should be allowed in Zionsville.
Councilor Tim McElderry supported the moratorium, highlighting its role in enabling the town to make informed decisions for the community. The process will include public hearings at both the plan commission and town council levels before final votes are cast on any updated zoning laws.