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Todd County adopts one‑year moratorium on data centers, directs land‑use study
Summary
The Todd County Board on July 21 adopted an interim ordinance imposing a one‑year moratorium on data centers while staff and the Planning Commission study impacts such as energy and water use, noise, stormwater and economic effects, citing Minn. Stat. 394.34.
The Todd County Board of Commissioners on July 21 adopted an interim ordinance placing a one‑year moratorium on the establishment, construction, or permitting of data centers within the county. The board said the pause will allow county staff, the Planning Commission and the board to study land‑use impacts and develop appropriate performance standards and zoning controls.
The resolution states that "no data center may be established, constructed, or permitted within Todd County for the duration of this Interim Ordinance" and directs study of energy demand, water use, noise, heat, stormwater management, air quality, land‑use compatibility and economic impacts. The ordinance cites Minnesota Statute 394.34 as the county's authority to adopt a temporary interim ordinance while studies proceed and takes effect on passage for one year unless ended earlier by board action.
Commissioner Noska moved to adopt the resolution, Commissioner Denny seconded, and the board adopted it by unanimous vote. The board's action also bars the county from accepting or processing land‑use or zoning permit applications for data centers during the moratorium period. Enforcement and severability provisions are included in the ordinance.
Next steps specified by the ordinance call for county staff, the Planning Commission and the board to conduct a study and return with potential zoning language, performance standards and any recommended regulatory changes; the ordinance does not itself set future standards or bans beyond the temporary prohibition.
