Board extends moratorium on data-mining while zoning crafts ordinance

The Jackson County Board of Supervisors voted to extend a moratorium on data-mining operations as zoning completes a dedicated ordinance. Becca, zoning staff, told the board the comprehensive zoning update delayed drafting the data-mining ordinance and that extending the moratorium will allow careful review; the board amended the proposed date and approved the extension through Aug. 31, 2026.

Charlie White of Aurum Capital Ventures, who earlier sent technical videos to zoning staff, urged the board to consider noise-based setbacks instead of purely distance-based rules. "I would ask that if we are going to, talk about setbacks that would not be measured in feet, that would be measured in decibels as we are able to even get quieter than the videos that I have already provided you," Charlie said. Board members discussed timing, holiday slowdowns and the need to avoid repeated short extensions; they agreed a longer extension would give the zoning commission adequate time to finish the ordinance and remove the moratorium sooner if the ordinance is ready earlier.

The resolution adopting the new moratorium date was posted and amended on the record; the board instructed zoning staff to proceed with drafting the ordinance and to present progress at upcoming meetings.