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Winneshiek County adds "data centers" to M2 zoning, directs P&Z to draft stricter rules
Summary
The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to add data centers to the M2 General Industrial district and waived further readings, while directing Planning & Zoning to develop ordinance conditions and safeguards such as bonding, setbacks and restoration requirements.
Winneshiek County supervisors voted unanimously to amend the county zoning code to add “data centers” as a permitted principal use in the M2 General Industrial District and instructed Planning & Zoning to develop more detailed conditions and restrictions.
The public hearing drew discussion from planning staff and members of the public about appropriate controls. A planning representative said placing data centers in M2 would let the county specify where such facilities could locate and allow the board and Planning & Zoning to attach conditions addressing impacts. The presenter noted sample ordinances from other counties and recommended staff research to draft locally tailored standards.
Board members and attendees raised questions about moratoriums, availability of suitable parcels, and utility capacity. One attendee warned of legal risks counties have encountered elsewhere after adopting conditions perceived as too restrictive; planning staff and supervisors said they would examine sample settlement agreements, bonding mechanisms and access-road requirements as part of the follow-up work.
Speakers also asked about technical differences among data centers: modular small-footprint facilities that use recirculating cooling (low or no water use) versus larger campuses that require substantial power and site infrastructure. Planning staff noted there are many types and sizes of data centers and that one-size-fits-all rules would be inappropriate.
After public comment the board moved to hold the first reading and then to adopt the ordinance, waive the remaining readings, and adopt by roll call. The board then unanimously directed Planning & Zoning to draft recommended ordinance language and potential restrictions for future review.
The ordinance will be incorporated into the official county zoning code and the county will publish the changes as required by law. Planning & Zoning was tasked with returning recommended guidelines and draft text to the board at a future meeting.
