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Des Moines County adopts one-year moratorium on data-center permits
Summary
The Des Moines County Board of Supervisors voted to impose an immediate one-year moratorium on accepting or approving permit applications for data centers while county staff draft regulations and coordinate with other agencies to protect infrastructure and property rights.
Des Moines County supervisors voted to place an immediate one-year moratorium on permitting for data centers to allow time for ordinance and policy development. Chair read the resolution defining data centers and said the pause is intended to "gather information and coordinate with multiple agencies for the purpose of reviewing, updating, or creating ordinances, policies, and procedures related to data center development." The resolution (2026-034) passed at the May 19 meeting.
Supporters said the moratorium gives staff time to learn from other counties and craft rules tailored to local conditions. A county official noted Des Moines County is unlikely to attract very large data centers because it lies on a branch of high-capacity fiber rather than a major trunk line, but said smaller facilities remain a possibility. During public comment, business and labor representatives urged caution about foreclosing economic opportunities while others called for clear environmental and infrastructure safeguards.
The board indicated it will pursue work sessions to review model ordinances (the board referenced an example in Linn County) and coordinate with legal counsel and utilities before proposing permanent regulations. The moratorium is effective immediately and will remain in place for one year unless superseded by board action.
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