Planning commission approves moratorium ordinance on large data centers and sends it to city council

The Sheboygan City Planning Commission on Thursday approved a draft ordinance creating a temporary moratorium on the issuance of zoning and building permits for data centers larger than 10,000 square feet and voted to send the ordinance to the City Council for consideration.

Supporters of the moratorium told commissioners they wanted time to draft rules that address water use, electrical load, light and noise, and to close potential annexation or subdivision loopholes. "Eighteen months would be more realistic," said Rebecca Clark of 735 Fairway Drive, urging staff to study utilities and potential segmentation strategies developers might use to evade square‑foot thresholds. "This moratorium must be strong enough to address actual risks now and in the future."

Why it matters: Residents and commissioners said large, hyperscale facilities can place heavy demands on local water and power systems, alter community character and tourism assets, and provide relatively few permanent local jobs. Sarah Arndt, who lives near the lake, warned that constant cooling noise and bright security lighting "is not compatible with a state park built for serenity." Several speakers urged stronger, clearer language to prevent annexation or phased development from circumventing the moratorium.

Alder Gervin, the ordinance sponsor, said the proposal is proactive rather than reactive: "It was brought forth... because we could. If it's a possibility, there's any way for us to be prepared should something like that come our way, I think we should take the time to do that and make sure we're ready." Administrator (transcribed as 'Bridal') told the commission the draft envisions a 12‑month moratorium with the option for a one‑time six‑month extension and described plans for a public education series with utilities and other stakeholders.

City Attorney Majeris clarified legal points raised by commissioners and members of the public. He said property entitlement applications include permits, conditional use applications and variances, and explained that annexation requires municipal acceptance (a two‑thirds council vote), meaning the council could deny annexation petitions connected with an undesirable development if tied to public health or safety reasons.

Commission debate centered on the moratorium's length. Several commissioners and the city attorney said 12 months with a possible six‑month extension is the more legally defensible default, while multiple residents asked for 18 months to ensure a complete infrastructure analysis. After deliberation a commissioner moved to approve the draft ordinance as presented; the commission voted in favor and the Chair announced the ordinance will be sent to the City Council.

What happens next: The Planning Commission forwarded General Ordinance 126.27 to the City Council. Staff said it will run public engagement and education events and return drafts to the Committee of the Whole and council as the body develops permanent regulations. The commission noted a tentative next meeting date of July 28.