Board flags possible spillover of Dubuque-area data-center proposals; schedules joint zoning work session

Board members at the Jackson County Board of Adjustments meeting on May 26 raised concerns that data-center proposals discussed in neighboring Dubuque County could be offered to landowners in Jackson County if local approval is not obtained in Dubuque.

A board member summarized recent reporting and local sentiment in Dubuque and said many landowners had received sizable offers: “It’s so much money that you can’t blame anybody for saying I’m selling my 106 acres $9.6 million,” the board member said, adding, “If it doesn’t get passed in Dubuque County, I would be shocked if this doesn’t show up in Jackson County.”

Staff (Rebecca) confirmed Jackson County staff are tracking developments and said a one-year moratorium in Dubuque County and draft ordinances there have focused public attention. Rebecca told the board the Jackson County zoning commission and board of supervisors will hold a joint work session on June 15 to review a draft county ordinance; the session will allow public comment.

Board members discussed the practical issues often raised with large data centers—electricity demand, water, noise from transformers and auxiliary equipment—and acknowledged uncertainty about scale and specifics until formal proposals appear. One member warned that neighbors are likely to attend hearings in force, and another noted the county’s own draft ordinance could shape whether conditional use permits or rezoning would be required for such projects.

There was no formal action on the topic at this meeting; the board’s discussion served as a heads-up to staff and the public that county officials are monitoring the issue and preparing to discuss regulatory options at a June 15 joint work session with the zoning commission and board of supervisors.