Residents urge pause on new Bitcoin-mining permits; board of adjustment meeting set

Several residents asked Winnebago County officials on Monday to halt new building permits for Bitcoin-mining operations until the county’s board of adjustment reviews whether the sites fit local zoning rules.

The concern came during an extended public-comment exchange about two existing mining operations and recent permits issued under the county’s home-occupancy classification. “Maybe put up temporary moratorium on new building permits for Bitcoin mines,” said a resident who identified concerns about using home-occupancy rules for sites where no one lives. The resident added that a requested board of adjustment review from October had not yet happened.

Why it matters: Residents said the lack of timely review let a second permit be issued under the same classification before the board could weigh in. They said that, if the board had met earlier, it might have found the use inconsistent with home-occupancy rules and prevented the second permit.

County administrator Matt (administrator) told commenters a board-of-adjustment meeting will be scheduled once one party submits the paperwork referenced in an email. “That’s the plan,” Matt said when asked whether the Golden Noble Substation matter and related permits would be on the agenda.

Commenters also raised taxation and valuation questions. One speaker said the Department of Revenue determined a January case is being taxed through the county and that county valuation for one site showed a $220,000 building valuation; the speaker said equipment value is higher but that tax billing had been routed through Heartland Power where no lease existed.

Speakers said the county has two approved Bitcoin-mining sites: one at a mobile/global site and another near the Waste Management facility. When asked, Matt confirmed both existing sites “are approved.” A resident pressed whether both current and pending permits would be reviewed at the board-of-adjustment meeting; Matt answered yes.

What was not decided: No formal moratorium or change to permit fees or zoning rules was approved at the meeting. Board members and staff discussed scheduling the board-of-adjustment meeting and promised direct notification to the resident who requested it.

Next steps: County staff said they will wait for the missing paperwork and then schedule the board-of-adjustment meeting to consider the Golden Noble Substation and the related building-permit inquiries. A resident requested that Matt notify them directly when the meeting is set.

Ending: Residents and staff agreed to follow up once the outstanding documentation arrives; no formal policy or fee change was adopted at Monday’s meeting.