Dunn County adopts floodplain ordinance, approves CUP and enacts 12‑month moratorium on large energy/data facilities

The Dunn County Board of Commissioners approved multiple planning and zoning actions and a temporary moratorium aimed at giving staff time to update land-use rules for new technologies.

Sandy, the planning and zoning representative, asked the board to approve a second reading and adopt a floodplain ordinance to remain "in standards and in good standing with FEMA and our National Flood Insurance Program." Commissioner Olsen moved for adoption; Commissioner Pelton seconded and the board approved the ordinance by voice vote.

Separately, the planning and zoning board recommended approval of a conditional use permit from Elkin, Inc. for a water depot on the Eckert Family Living Trust property; Commissioner Heizer moved, Commissioner Pelton seconded, and the CUP was approved.

Planning and zoning also recommended a 12‑month moratorium on data centers, large solar-energy installations and battery facilities so the county can draft and adopt new ordinance language to regulate those uses. Commissioners discussed whether the length could be shortened if new policies are adopted sooner; the board approved the one‑year moratorium but noted it can be lifted earlier once ordinance updates are complete.

The board indicated the moratorium and the floodplain ordinance are procedural responses to address regulatory gaps: the floodplain ordinance preserves federal program compliance for flood insurance and the moratorium creates time to draft tailored zoning rules for energy and data facilities.

Next steps: planning staff will draft ordinance language for wind/energy and data center rules and return to the commission for consideration; the moratorium will remain in effect for up to 12 months unless lifted sooner.