Lincoln County adopts temporary moratorium on data centers

Lincoln County—s Board of Commissioners voted to adopt a temporary moratorium on data-center applications and approvals, passing Resolution 2026090814 at its Sept. 8 meeting.

Chair opened discussion by saying the moratorium would give staff and the county attorney time to develop an ordinance regulating data centers. The county attorney read the resolution aloud, which bars acceptance or action on applications for rezoning, special-use or conditional-use permits, variances, site plans, land-disturbance and building permits, development permits, business licenses or certificates of occupancy that would allow data-center placement or operation in the county. "So as to allow the county time to study, develop, and consider the adoption of an ordinance regulating data center," the reading states.

The motion to adopt was recorded as "Motion by Commissioner Henderson, 2nd by Commissioner Tankersley." Chair called for the ayes and announced the motion carried. The resolution sets an effective termination date of Dec. 31, 2026, and the board noted the moratorium could be extended if additional time is needed to complete the ordinance drafting and the two-reading process required for adoption of a land-use ordinance.

The action does not itself adopt regulatory text; rather, it temporarily bars permitting and application activity so staff can study models used by other counties and draft county-specific standards. The county will post the full resolution and related materials on the county website for public review.