Zoning official introduces one-year continuation and expansion of Jackson County moratorium on data centers

The Zoning Administrator told the Jackson County Board of Supervisors that the countys existing moratorium on certain data center developments (Resolution 11142-09-09-2025) is scheduled to expire on Aug. 31, 2026, and introduced a draft resolution to continue and broaden that moratorium for one year after signing.

"This morning, I am proposing a resolution regarding a temporary moratorium on high density computing and data processing facility," the Zoning Administrator said, adding the draft would "continue that moratorium without interruption, update the terminology, and expand its scope to cover the broader range of high density computing and data processing facilities that the zoning commission is currently reviewing." The administrator said the county attorneys office has recommended a one-year continuation but that the moratorium could end sooner if a final county ordinance becomes effective earlier or the board terminates it.

The staff presentation flagged several technical issues that still require review before writing a permanent ordinance, including noise and vibration, cooling systems and water use, groundwater protection, backup generators and emergency response, road impacts and setbacks, decommissioning and financial assurance, and inspection and enforcement authority. Supervisors and staff agreed the county is "still learning" from other counties and industry briefings and should gather additional technical input and legal counsel before returning a final draft for adoption.

The Zoning Administrator asked the board to review the draft and said she would bring the resolution back for possible formal action next week. No vote was taken at this meeting.