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Ashwaubenon adopts 12‑month moratorium on hyperscale data centers
Summary
The Village of Ashwaubenon on June 23 adopted Ordinance O6-01-26, a 12‑month moratorium on hyperscale data centers — defined in the ordinance as facilities over 100,000 sq ft and using more than 20 MW — to allow focused zoning updates. The vote was unanimous following a staff presentation.
The Village of Ashwaubenon Village Board unanimously adopted Ordinance O6-01-26 on June 23, enacting a 12‑month moratorium on the development of hyperscale data centers in the village.
Joel, introducing the ordinance, said the temporary moratorium is intended to separate the data‑center discussion from a broader rewrite of the village zoning code, allowing staff and the public to craft regulations specific to large facilities. "This particular notice is a temporary 12‑month moratorium to enable a focused conversation and to craft appropriate regulations," Joel said.
The text amendment defines a hyperscale data center as a facility that exceeds 100,000 square feet of building footprint and typically requires more than 20 megawatts of electrical capacity. Joel emphasized that the moratorium does not alter existing, smaller enterprise data centers and is not a response to any pending local proposal: "The village has not been approached by a data center; this is strategic as we rewrite the rest of the code."
Trustees discussed the timing and intent of the moratorium. One trustee noted state‑level activity that could affect future rules; Trustee Atkinson seconded the motion to adopt the ordinance. After no public testimony at the hearing, the board voted to adopt the moratorium by voice vote.
The moratorium will pause approvals for new hyperscale facilities for 12 months while staff and the Planning Commission work on a zoning-code rewrite and community engagement. Staff said they aim to present draft regulations addressing whether and where large data centers might be permitted before the moratorium expires.
The ordinance was recommended unanimously by the Planning Commission and now stands as a temporary measure while the village completes a comprehensive zoning update.
