Johnson County Updates Zoning Regulations Ahead of Data Center Moratorium Expiration
Johnson County is updating its zoning regulations ahead of the expiration of a one-year moratorium on data center approvals on November 8. The proposed changes aim to address concerns regarding location, water usage, and size, including clarifying definitions and establishing efficiency standards. Additionally, the Board of Supervisors is considering a special permit process for new data centers, which would involve public hearings and an evaluation of economic impacts.

Johnson County is under a one-year moratorium on data center approvals, set to expire on November 8. The county is updating zoning processes to address concerns over location, water usage, and size. An updated draft ordinance will clarify data center definitions and propose regulations on water usage, including regular reports and efficiency standards.
The Board of Supervisors is also considering limiting data center sizes and banning non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in development. Any new policy would require updates to existing ordinances. The board may implement a special permit process for data center plans, involving public hearings.
Economic impacts of new data centers will also be evaluated. Other Iowa counties, such as Clarke and Linn, are also reviewing their zoning regulations for data center development.




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