Supervisors table proposed moratorium on data centers, Bitcoin mining, utility-scale solar and battery storage for Planning & Zoning review

The Dickinson County Board of Supervisors on April 14 considered a resolution proposing a temporary moratorium on accepting or issuing permits for data centers, Bitcoin mining facilities, utility-scale solar collection and battery energy storage systems. The resolution cited potential strains on water and energy resources, noise and land-use impacts, and proposed a 15-month pause while the county updates its comprehensive land-use plan.

Supporters said the moratorium would give the county time to consult experts and update zoning rules consistent with a new comprehensive plan. The sponsor cited studies in other parts of Iowa showing water impacts and localized heat effects near large data centers and said the pause would protect groundwater and residents.

Opponents and several supervisors raised process concerns: they urged involving the Planning & Zoning Commission and the zoning director before passing a sweeping moratorium; some said 15 months was longer than necessary and risked being viewed as broad or exclusionary. The county zoning administrator told the board her intent was to address utility-scale, industrial installations rather than residential rooftop solar, saying, "My intent was solely for industrial. Utility scale," and urged coordination with P&Z so ordinances and the comprehensive plan align.

Board members agreed to table the item for two weeks (to allow input from the Planning & Zoning Commission at its annual meeting) and to return the matter with suggested timing and revised language. Several supervisors suggested a shorter initial moratorium (six to 12 months) with an option to extend if needed.

Next steps: the moratorium proposal will be discussed with the Planning & Zoning Commission; the board will revisit the item at a future meeting with input from zoning staff and the commission.