Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Palo Alto County extends moratorium on cryptocurrency and data‑mining facilities through April 1, 2027
Summary
The Palo Alto County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted a resolution extending a temporary moratorium on the construction and permitting of cryptocurrency and data‑mining facilities in unincorporated county areas until April 1, 2027, or until an ordinance is adopted.
The Palo Alto County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on March 10 to extend a temporary moratorium on cryptocurrency and data‑mining facilities in the county’s unincorporated areas.
Resolution No. 3-10-2026, adopted after a motion by Supervisor Ron Graettinger and second by Supervisor Keith Wirtz, extends a moratorium passed June 3, 2025 and sets the new expiration date at April 1, 2027, or earlier if the county adopts a specific ordinance. The resolution states that "no Cryptocurrency or Data Mining facilities or appurtenances thereto shall be constructed or installed in the unincorporated areas of Palo Alto County." The board recorded the vote as Ayes: Faulstick, Merrill, Graettinger, Wirtz, Solberg; Nays: None.
The resolution cites Iowa Code Chapter 335 as authority for county zoning and says the extension will allow the Planning and Zoning Commission time to "gather information and coordinate with multiple agencies" to draft appropriate land‑use regulations. The resolution also cites local concerns the board intends to address, including protection of county roads, natural resources, and the rights of nearby property owners. The moratorium took effect immediately upon adoption; the board noted it could extend the restriction again by resolution if needed before April 1, 2027.
Next steps identified in the meeting record include Planning and Zoning’s review and coordination work prior to any ordinance drafting or additional board action.
