Supervisors ask P&Z to research moving data centers into M-2 zoning and study moratorium need

Winneshiek County supervisors agreed to ask Planning & Zoning (P&Z) to research whether to designate data centers in the county as permitted uses in the M-2 zoning district and to study whether a temporary moratorium is warranted before adopting new rules. The board’s direction follows extended debate about how data centers could affect roads, electric capacity and the county’s limited industrially zoned land.

The discussion began when supervisors noted that P&Z was already considering recommending an M-2 designation for data centers. Several supervisors said moving data centers into M-2 would require developers to seek P&Z review and board approval to rezone parcels for large facilities. ‘‘Moving them to M-2 gives you the ability to monitor requested changes to the zoning,’’ said one board member (Committee member, speaker 6).

Board members raised competing concerns. Some urged a moratorium to buy time for study and public engagement, citing rapid growth of data centers in neighboring counties and uncertainty about local impacts. ‘‘I would really like a moratorium,’’ said another supervisor (Committee member, speaker 7), who cited experience with a previous moratorium on frac-sand mining to allow time for research. Others warned a moratorium or overly restrictive setbacks could unnecessarily deter investment if not based on solid local evidence. ‘‘You need a factual basis in which to apply your decision,’’ a supervisor said (Committee member, speaker 6).

Speakers urged P&Z to assess multiple items: the amount of M-2 land available in the county, typical setbacks used in other counties, potential road-repair obligations for heavy construction traffic, cooling and water-use technologies in modern facilities, sound and environmental impacts, and utility capacity. Supervisors also asked staff to invite utility and industry representatives — for example, MiEnergy — to present technical information at a future meeting so the board and P&Z can better understand electricity and environmental issues.

The board did not adopt a moratorium or change the ordinance that day. Instead, it directed P&Z to prepare research and recommendations about reclassifying data centers into M-2 and to report back on whether a moratorium is needed or justified by local conditions. The recommendation will return to the board for consideration.

The next procedural step is review and report by P&Z; supervisors suggested that P&Z include public outreach and invite expert presentations as part of the research package.