Story County amends proposed data-center ordinance after strong public opposition, sets second reading

Leanne Harter, Story County Planning and Development Director, presented a staff-initiated text amendment to regulate digital asset mining, cryptocurrency operations, data processing centers and battery/energy storage in unincorporated Story County, noting the county’s temporary moratorium expires March 31, 2026.

The Board opened a public hearing and heard multiple residents who urged stronger restrictions or a permanent moratorium. Jim Pease of Franklin Township asked the Board to “add water consumption to the ordinance.” Several others from Ames, Milford, Nevada, Howard and Palestine townships said they are opposed to data centers and “support a permanent moratorium.” After discussion and questions about process, Supervisor Faisal moved to remove Section 12 and associated regulations from the proposed ordinance; Supervisor Heddens seconded and the amendment passed unanimously on a roll-call vote. Heddens then moved to approve First Consideration of Ordinance No. 330 as amended and set Second Consideration for March 10, 2026; the vote carried unanimously.

Harter told the Board staff and the Planning and Zoning Commission both recommend approval of a revised text amendment; she also said she will return with a resolution to extend the temporary moratorium while the county attorney reviews options for a permanent moratorium. The record shows 13 written public comments were received in advance of the hearing.

Next steps: the Board will take up Second Consideration of the ordinance on March 10, 2026; staff will draft a moratorium-extension resolution and provide further details on the removed Section 12 and any water-use standards the Board requests.