Dane County Board Introduces Moratorium on Data Center Development

May 26, 2026
CountyBoardPress@danecounty.gov, (608) 228-9053
County Board

18-month pause would allow Advisory Committee on Data Centers to complete its work and inform potential policy changes

DANE COUNTY, Wis. — On Friday, May 15, 2026, a resolution was introduced that would establish an 18-month moratorium on the receipt of applications for, and the issuance of, zoning permits for the siting or placement of data centers in Dane County. The resolution, 2026 RES-039, would give the county time to complete its ongoing research into the impacts of data centers and consider policy changes to address them.

The moratorium would apply to towns subject to county zoning. It would not apply to cities, villages, or towns that have adopted their own zoning codes.

The resolution comes as the county board’s Advisory Committee on Data Centers (ACDC) continues its work researching the impacts of data center development, including questions about energy use, water resources, long-term land use, and the demands of artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure on local communities.

“The Advisory Committee on Data Centers was created to research the promises and the complex questions that come with this type of development,” said County Board Chair Patrick Miles. “There is growing concern that Dane County communities could see project proposals before that work is complete. This moratorium gives the committee the time it needs to finish and gives the county the opportunity to make thoughtful, data-driven policy decisions informed by their findings.”

The resolution finds that the construction and operation of data centers raise potential health and safety concerns, including the strain on public services and infrastructure, and potential impacts on property values, agricultural land, and the general welfare of residents, businesses, and visitors. It also notes that data center development is inconsistent with the Dane County Comprehensive Plan and the Dane County Zoning Ordinance.

“Data center development as it currently stands is not consistent with existing county plans and ordinances,” said Chair Miles. “Since the county moratorium can only legally apply to towns under county zoning, it is our hope that cities, villages, and towns with their own zoning codes will consider adopting their own moratoriums so their residents can also benefit from the work of the ACDC.”

The resolution has been referred to the Zoning and Land Regulation Committee and is scheduled for consideration at the committee's meeting tonight, Tuesday, May 26, before returning to the full county board on Thursday, June 4.

###

About the Dane County Board of Supervisors: The Dane County Board of Supervisors is the legislative and policymaking body of Dane County government. Composed of 37 supervisors elected to represent each county district, the county board’s mission is to effectively represent the people of Dane County, providing services that secure the blessings of freedom, ensure domestic tranquility, promote the general welfare, and perfect the forms of government. Learn more about the county board at https://board.danecounty.gov/.