Edgerton council denies moratorium on data-center applications in 3-2 vote

At a June 11, 2026 meeting, the Edgerton City Council rejected Resolution No. 06-11-26A, a proposed moratorium on submissions for rezoning, variances, plats and site plans related to data centers under the Unified Development Code. Councilmember Josh Lewis moved to deny the resolution and Councilmember Clay Longanecker seconded; the motion carried 3-2 (Yes: Longanecker, Lewis, Malloy; No: Conus, Lebakken).

Public Works Director Dan Merkh told the council the resolution "will not halt or restrict any filed applications submitted prior to this resolution for Data Center uses within the B-P and L-P districts," language intended to protect vested rights. City Attorney Todd Luckman recommended removing a clause in the draft that created ambiguity about administrative approvals, to clarify that vested rights would not be impaired.

Councilmembers who voted to deny the moratorium said they preferred using existing planning tools and code amendments rather than a pause that could create uncertainty for property owners. Councilmembers opposing the denial urged stronger oversight and a pause long enough to study impacts before new data-center projects proceed. The resolution discussion followed an extended public comment period in which both supporters and opponents of data-center development addressed the council.

Outcome and next steps: the council took no further action to adopt a moratorium at this meeting. Any applications filed before the resolution would not have been affected by the proposed moratorium, per staff guidance provided in the discussion.