Plan Commission votes to begin moratorium process on data‑center zoning while rules are drafted

Planning staff told the commission that the existing zoning ordinance regulates where data centers may be sited but does not impose substantive restrictions on data‑center uses; staff recommended a temporary moratorium while the ordinance is updated to add restrictions. Jamie Hopper moved to proceed with the moratorium process and Brent Pomerhn seconded; the motion passed unanimously.

During public comment, Gail Utter said she "did not receive notice for data center variance" and requested to be added to the adjacent‑neighbor mailing list. Tori Pindell of the Miami‑Cass Counties Coalition for Utility & Environmental Protection announced a coalition meeting for Jan. 22 concerning the proposed variance, and a community member identified as Joan expressed concern about the geographic scope of any moratorium. Commissioners did not settle moratorium boundaries at the meeting and asked staff to begin the ordinance process.