Plainfield adopts temporary moratorium on data centers

Plainfield village trustees unanimously approved a 180-day temporary moratorium on data center proposals during a recent Village Board meeting. This decision comes in response to an 'outcry' against data centers in nearby communities like Joliet and Yorkville, and a perceived 'mad rush for data center approval everywhere,' according to Plainfield Mayor John Argoudelis. The mayor emphasized the need for careful consideration to ensure proposed data centers are efficient and align with community needs, rather than rushing into developments. The moratorium pauses all applications for data centers and related computing infrastructure warehouses for 180 days. Plainfield Village Administrator Joshua Blakemore stated that this measure allows the village ample time to prepare and adopt a new Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) that will specifically address the unique land use, infrastructure, and regulatory challenges presented by data centers. Blakemore noted that current zoning regulations are insufficient for these complex developments, and proceeding without new guidelines could conflict with the village's long-term planning. During the moratorium, Plainfield plans to monitor state legislation, as the Illinois General Assembly is considering bills that would establish environmental, water, and energy regulations for data centers. The village will also research and propose its own comprehensive land use regulations for data centers. The ordinance includes flexibility for the moratorium to be extended if the UDO update is not completed within the initial 180-day period. Village Trustee Richard Kiefer expressed support for the initiative, highlighting the importance of updating the UDO. Mayors of neighboring Oswego and Yorkville also commented on data center development, with Oswego's Mayor Ryan Kauffman stating his village lacks the necessary electrical infrastructure, and Yorkville's Mayor John Purcell indicating a decreased appetite for new proposals.