Dane County board approves data center moratorium
The Dane County Board of Supervisors approved an 18-month moratorium on zoning permits for hyperscale data centers in unincorporated areas. This pause is intended to allow the county to study the environmental, economic, health, and safety implications of these facilities and develop new zoning regulations. County officials encourage neighboring jurisdictions to consider similar actions.
The Dane County Board of Supervisors has approved an 18-month moratorium on issuing zoning permits for hyperscale data centers in the county's unincorporated areas. The resolution, passed at a June 4 meeting, aims to provide the county with sufficient time to study the rapid expansion of hyperscale data centers and integrate them into existing land use frameworks. This temporary halt will prevent the receipt and granting of zoning applications related to the construction of facilities defined as using at least 5,000 servers and occupying a minimum of 10,000 square feet; smaller data centers are unaffected.
The pause will facilitate an examination of the environmental, economic, health, and safety impacts of these data centers, leading to the development of zoning regulations consistent with the Dane County Comprehensive Plan. County Board Chair Patrick Miles emphasized the importance of this 'responsible step' to protect communities and ensure informed decision-making regarding data center development. He also urged neighboring municipalities with their own zoning codes to consider parallel actions, highlighting the regional nature of the issue.
The county board's Advisory Committee on Data Centers is currently undertaking research to inform future policy responses. The resolution now awaits consideration and signature from County Executive Melissa Agard.