Coffey County imposes one-year moratorium on data centers and battery-storage projects

The Coffey County Commission voted 4-1 on May 4 to adopt Resolution 2026-977, imposing a one-year moratorium on new data centers and battery energy storage systems (BESS) in the county while planners draft development standards and agreements.

Planning and zoning administrator presented staff findings and told the board the county currently has little regulatory language covering setbacks, noise limits, road-use or pilot/utility agreements for these projects and that leaving the rules undeveloped could allow large installations by right under existing district standards. "As of right now, since we do not have them in our regulations right now, we are basically opening the door for them to come in with very little setbacks," the administrator said during the presentation.

The resolution gives staff and the planning board time to prepare comprehensive rules tied to the county's comprehensive plan and to recommend standards such as tiered project definitions, noise limits, minimum setbacks and requirements for road-use and pilot agreements with county commissioners. Commissioners discussed options including a one- or two-year moratorium and the ability to rescind the moratorium earlier if regulations are finalized. Commissioner Parker registered the sole vote against the one-year term, saying he preferred a longer review period; the motion passed 4-1.

Economic development staff and other commissioners emphasized balancing protections for neighbors with the county's interest in attracting economic development and jobs. Staff said they will return with draft language and a public process timeline; the moratorium will be revisited if regulations are completed before the one-year expiration.