Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Data Centers topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission recommends 12-month moratorium on data centers to county commissioners
Summary
The Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend a 12-month moratorium on permits and approvals for data centers while the county drafts zoning regulations; staff and counsel said broadband/fiber work would not be affected and courts permit extensions if needed.
The Clinton County Planning Commission voted on April 9 to recommend that the Board of Commissioners adopt a 12-month moratorium on permits, licenses, or approvals for data centers while county zoning is amended.
Lynn Wilson presented the petition (PC-05-26 / OR-202-26) and said the moratorium would pause unregulated development while comprehensive regulations are prepared. Several township residents spoke in favor: Kathy George said comments from Essex Township were “overwhelmingly” in favor of regulating data centers, and Donna Graham said residents of Greenbush Township do not want data centers “for many of the reasons that are heard on the news.”
County legal counsel Laura Genovich confirmed the moratorium would not halt ongoing broadband or fiber projects and noted that courts allow moratorium extensions of up to 18 months if more time is needed to complete ordinance revisions. The commission voted to forward the recommendation to the Board of Commissioners by roll call (6-0, one member absent).
The recommendation begins the formal process for the Board of Commissioners to consider an interim restriction while staff and consultants draft permanent zoning language.
