Supervisors impose moratorium on data centers

Seeking to keep pace with rapid regional growth while safeguarding county infrastructure, the Marshall County Board of Supervisors on Monday, July 20 unanimously approved a temporary moratorium on new data center developments.

The decision stems from growing concerns over the massive power, land, and water grid requirements associated with large-scale server facilities. Board members noted that while high-tech developments can generate significant tax revenue, the power supply faces immediate constraints. Officials estimated the county’s current electrical grid can safely accommodate up to 50 megawatts for smaller projects. However, larger facilities frequently demand 200 megawatts or more, requiring extensive grid infrastructure upgrades that the county is not yet equipped to support.

To establish comprehensive regulations, supervisors authorized the county to retain urban planner Nathan Willingham. Willingham will assist officials in drafting tailored zoning ordinances, performance standards, and regulatory stipulations before the county considers any future data center applications.

In a related move to offset rising administrative and development costs, the board voted to enact a 20 percent fee increase on all industrial building permits. Residential permitting fees will remain at current rates.