Oliver County sets public hearing on proposed data-center moratorium as commissioners weigh ordinance options

Oliver County commissioners voted to schedule a public hearing to consider a moratorium on new data‑center permits as staff and planners prepare ordinance language.

Commissioner Dave moved that the commission place a public hearing on the moratorium on the Feb. 26 planning and zoning agenda; the motion was seconded and carried. Staff said the hearing will satisfy required public‑notice steps and that a final vote would be taken by the commission at its March meeting if the planning and zoning board recommends an ordinance.

Why it matters: commissioners said they want local review and public input before major facilities begin easement or construction work that could advance quickly. County counsel cautioned against an open‑ended moratorium and recommended a fixed period so the county avoids potential legal challenge.

What was said: Denisha Cummings, a developer for North Plains Connector, contrasted the timeline of permitting and construction elsewhere but was not the source of the moratorium proposal. County staff said the state’s planning office circulated a template and that Stutzman and McLean counties have recent ordinances the county can adapt. “It would be nice to have some time without pressure to at least look into this,” a county staffer said when outlining options for moratorium length and process.

Next steps: staff will publish required two‑week legal notices, planning and zoning will hold the Feb. 26 hearing and return a recommendation for the commission’s March meeting. Commissioners discussed a 90‑day moratorium as the working timeline but left room to extend by formal vote if planning requires more time.