Madison County extends moratorium on new data centers through Feb. 22, 2027

The Madison County Board of Commissioners voted to extend a moratorium on the establishment of new data centers until Feb. 22, 2027, after a public hearing in which several residents urged a longer pause so the county can adopt protective zoning and building standards.

The chairman said the original 30-day moratorium was intended as a pause, and that county staff and the consultant CPL were already working on a rewrite of the development code that would include data-center standards. "We do think that we will have a good ordinance moving forward that will protect the citizens," the chair said during discussion and in response to public concerns. The board carried the motion to extend the moratorium and directed staff to continue work on the ordinance.

Supporters at the public hearing described worries that large data facilities can strain water supplies, add noise and light pollution, and fail to produce long-term local employment or tax relief. One resident urged extending the pause "to get local zoning ordinances in place" so the county would not face repeat problems seen in other jurisdictions. Opponents and trustees said the moratorium is a temporary tool to allow ordinance drafting, not a permanent ban.

The board and staff also clarified scope and timing: the moratorium covers unincorporated Madison County and is intended to run while the county finalizes code amendments. Staff noted CPL expects to complete the ordinance rewrite work around Oct. 26, and commissioners said the extension gives the county time to vet and adopt those rules. The motion passed with the board indicating the extension date of Feb. 22, 2027.