Jones County Board approves temporary moratorium on data centers and data‑mining facilities

The Jones County Board of Supervisors on Aug. 18 approved a temporary moratorium on the development and permitting of data centers and commercial data‑mining facilities, effective immediately and scheduled to run through Feb. 18, 2027.

Board members said the county lacks a current ordinance that governs commercial data‑mining operations, and the moratorium will give the Planning and Zoning Commission time to research and draft appropriate setbacks, infrastructure protections and related rules. The moratorium resolution notes the county’s interest in protecting infrastructure, natural resources and property rights while updating local regulations.

Supervisor Swisher introduced the resolution; Supervisor Schlarmann seconded it. The resolution states the county will coordinate with multiple agencies while reviewing and updating relevant ordinances and that the Board reserves the right to end the moratorium earlier if a satisfactory ordinance is adopted. The motion carried on a unanimous roll call vote.

The moratorium language sets Feb. 18, 2027, as the current sunset date and allows the Board to extend the period by further resolution. The Board also directed the Planning and Zoning Commission to proceed with information‑gathering and interagency coordination necessary to draft an ordinance that balances property‑owner rights and community health and safety concerns.

The moratorium applies to new development and to applications for permits relating to data centers and data‑mining facilities; existing lawful uses are not described as affected in the text of the resolution.