Johnson County weighs extending data center moratorium through Aug. 8, 2027
Johnson County officials are considering extending the county's data center moratorium through Aug. 8, 2027, giving staff more time to develop regulations for future projects. The proposed extension is scheduled for formal consideration by the Board of Supervisors on Oct. 15.
Johnson County, Iowa, is considering a nine-month extension of its data center moratorium, which currently is set to expire Nov. 8, 2026. If approved, the extension would block rezoning, subdivision and site-plan approvals, as well as building permits for data centers in the county's unincorporated areas through Aug. 8, 2027.
County planning staff said the additional time would support research and drafting of a potential data center ordinance addressing water and energy resources, land use, noise, transportation and employment. The Johnson County Planning and Zoning Commission voted 5-0 to recommend the extension, which is scheduled to return to the Board of Supervisors for a formal vote Oct. 15.
The county is also coordinating with Linn County and a regional Digital Infrastructure Group facilitated by Greater Iowa City, Inc. to develop a broader approach to data center regulation.