Residents and commissioners urge pause on proposed data‑center projects in Johnson County

Residents, county officials and the Development Services director on Tuesday flagged two recent filings that list data‑center projects and urged more study before permits are advanced.

Jennifer Vanderlyn, Johnson County’s development services director, told the court her office had received an address request and a permit application that referenced data centers: “It would be approximately 200 acres that’s disturbed,” and a separate working site plan shows roughly “1,800 acres” on Highway 67, she said. Vanderlyn said one application (grading) is in review and “no permit has been issued.”

Public commenters from rural precincts urged a temporary moratorium. Rancher Lauren Ducuman said county residents deserve time to “evaluate the potential impacts on our waterways, volunteer fire departments, roads, air quality, wildlife, and the well‑being of neighboring property owners.” Licensed water operator Brandon Finley told the court local systems “do not have the infrastructure in most of our systems to handle” the kind of additional water demand such facilities can require.

Commissioners and staff emphasized the county’s limited statutory authority over land use and building inspections, while describing steps they are taking: “We have created a fire marshal’s office and then begun the process of creating a fire code,” the county judge said, noting the court is also working with state representatives and regional associations to seek broader tools or study at the state level.

The court did not place a moratorium on the agenda or take formal action on permitting at Tuesday’s meeting; Vanderlyn said Development Services will continue its review, request water and power usage information from applicants, and has invited them to present to the court if they choose.