Pulaski County plan commission backs 12‑month moratorium on data‑center permit applications

The Pulaski County Planning Commission voted Jan. 26 to forward a proposed 12‑month moratorium on data‑center permit applications to the Pulaski County Board of Commissioners, following more than two hours of staff presentation, internal debate and public comment.

The commission’s action sends an ordinance to the commissioners that would prohibit the acceptance of new data‑center permit applications in the county for 12 months beginning Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, while staff and the commission study potential regulations including setbacks, water use, decommissioning and emergency response requirements. The draft ordinance cites authority under Indiana Code and references the county’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO No. 2025‑03).

Commissioners and staff described several reasons for a pause. Members said they need time to assemble technical analyses — on water‑source capacity, road impacts, noise and lighting, and decommissioning bonds — and to consult first responders and utilities before deciding whether and how to allow large data‑center projects. One commissioner framed the decision as avoiding the kind of mistakes the county experienced with prior rapid approvals for utility‑scale projects.

Members of the public largely supported a pause. John Kramer said the county should have standards in place before any applicant seeks to build, calling data centers 'monstrosities' and urging the commission to adopt a 12‑month moratorium. 'I fully believe we need the 12 12 month,' Kramer said during public comment. Brandy Larkin of Winamac urged an even longer period, saying 'I'd like to see at least an 18 month [moratorium]… It's unreasonable to expect that you could conduct this in a proper due diligent way in a 6 month period.' Other residents raised concerns about water consumption, traffic and property rights.

Staff and counsel recommended streamlined ordinance language so the moratorium explicitly covers the acceptance of permit applications; the draft also defines 'data center' and limits the moratorium’s scope to stand‑alone data‑center facilities. The ordinance specifies that the moratorium may be changed only by a majority vote at a public hearing.

A commissioner moved to approve the 12‑month moratorium as amended; the motion was seconded and adopted by voice vote. The motion, moved and seconded on the record during the meeting, passed with a voice vote; the transcript did not record individual roll‑call votes. The commission closed the public hearing and directed staff to forward the adopted moratorium language to the county commissioners for their consideration and any additional legal steps.

Next steps: the matter will be before the Pulaski County Board of Commissioners. Staff also said the commission will continue work on UDO text amendments for solar and battery storage to run in parallel with the moratorium review. The planning commission’s next meeting was scheduled for Feb. 17 at 5:00 p.m. at the courthouse.