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Allendale Township board enacts temporary moratorium on large energy projects
Summary
The Allendale Charter Township Board approved Ordinance 2026-07 on June 8, 2026, imposing a temporary moratorium on applications for data centers, battery storage, large-scale solar farms and wind farms while the township studies local regulations and ordinances.
The Allendale Charter Township Board of Trustees voted on June 8 to adopt Ordinance 2026-07, a temporary moratorium on considering new applications for data centers, battery storage facilities, large-scale solar farms and wind farms while township staff completes a review of related ordinances and regulations.
The ordinance was approved by motion (BOT 26-088) moved by board member Mr. Smit with support from board member Mr. Vander Wall. The motion passed; the minutes record that the ordinance is intended to protect public health, safety and welfare while the township completes a study of zoning and regulatory language.
Why it matters: trustees said the moratorium will give Allendale Charter Township time to evaluate whether current ordinances adequately address siting, safety and community impacts of large energy and infrastructure projects. The ordinance text, as described in the minutes, includes severability language and a directive to repeal conflicting ordinance language.
Meeting context and next steps: the board did not specify a sunset date in the meeting minutes; the moratorium takes effect per the ordinance language and the township will complete the study before resuming consideration of new applications. Supervisor Adam Elenbaas provided clarification about the moratorium process during board comments. Board members noted the moratorium is a temporary pause, not a permanent ban.
The meeting record does not include a roll-call vote tally for the ordinance beyond the motion passing. The board adjourned at 6:48 p.m.
