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Riley County adopts six-month moratorium on data centers and battery-storage projects
Summary
The commission approved a six-month moratorium resolution that defines "data center" and "battery energy storage system" and pauses new applications while the county drafts review regulations; the moratorium is set to expire Nov. 12, 2026 unless changed earlier.
Riley County commissioners voted May 18 to adopt a six-month moratorium on new applications for data centers and battery energy storage systems while staff drafts regulatory standards and definitions.
County counsel told the board the resolution includes detailed legal authority and definitions for "data center" and "battery energy storage system" so the county has a standardized basis to review future applications. The moratorium is intended to provide time for the county to research and put regulations in place before reviewing new proposals.
The resolution as presented will be effective on the date of publication in the county newspaper and, unless modified or rescinded by the board, will expire on Nov. 12, 2026. Counsel said the board can remove or extend the moratorium earlier if it wishes.
Jacob Bigham (Riley County Counselor) framed the measure as a pause to ensure the county can adopt consistent review standards rather than a permanent prohibition.
Why it matters: data centers and large battery projects raise questions about siting, grid impacts, fire and safety standards, and local permitting. The moratorium gives Riley County time to assess those issues and craft unified rules for review.
Next steps: county staff will draft regulatory language and bring recommended standards back to the commission before the moratorium expires; any pending or new proposals will be subject to the temporary pause until the board acts.
