Dubuque County maps data center setbacks for proposed ordinance
Dubuque County leaders are drafting new rules for data centers, focusing on a proposed ordinance from a citizens' accountability group that includes extensive setbacks. The county is also considering monitoring aquifers to track water levels, with a moratorium on new data center applications remaining in effect until late May.
Dubuque County leaders are currently engaged in a series of work sessions to formulate new regulations for data centers, operating under an existing moratorium on new applications that is set to expire in late May. A recent meeting focused on a draft ordinance put forth by a local "citizens accountability group."
County staff presented maps illustrating the impact of the group's proposed setbacks from homes, roads, streams, and sinkholes. These maps indicated that such stringent setbacks could significantly limit the areas available for data center development within the county. However, members of the citizens' group emphasized that the primary goal of the ordinance is protection, and if the industry cannot comply, that is not their concern.
Supervisors also discussed the monitoring of city aquifers, including the potential costs associated with drilling wells and tracking water levels. A decision is pending on whether this data will directly inform the data center ordinance or proceed as a separate county initiative. County staff are tasked with estimating these costs, while the Zoning Commission has scheduled another work session for September 22nd.