Commission hears liaison report on data-center concerns and possible moratorium
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Summary
During liaison reports commissioners said the planning commission discussed data centers and the city is considering following Madison’s lead by imposing a one-year moratorium on larger data centers while staff reviews zoning and policy responses.
In liaison reports commissioners raised concerns about possible data-center proposals and reported that the planning commission is studying whether to place a temporary moratorium on large data centers to give the city time to evaluate land-use and zoning options.
A commissioner said Madison is placing a one-year moratorium on data centers over a size threshold and recommended Middleton follow suit to allow staff and elected officials to analyze where data centers would fit in local zoning, what policy tools exist, and whether the city can prevent or regulate future proposals. The concern cited was that rapid approvals in other municipalities have damaged public trust.
Staff noted there are no active, large-scale data-center proposals in Middleton now but observed there are a few sites that could be suitable and that work with Dane County and state agencies (DNR) may be needed depending on siting and water access issues.
Next steps: the commission and staff will monitor county efforts and return with recommended policy options if the moratorium route is pursued.
