Marion County enacts temporary moratorium on data centers through June 1

Commissioner (Speaker 1) moved that the Marion County Commission adopt Resolution No. 2026-12, a temporary moratorium on data centers in Marion County; the motion was seconded and approved.

The moratorium, as adopted, takes effect on adoption and publication in the county newspaper and remains in force until June 1. Staff (Speaker 8) told the board she had preserved broader definitional language and left the moratorium’s term blank initially to allow discussion. Commissioners debated how narrowly to define data centers and how long a moratorium should run, with suggestions ranging from 60–90 days to six months or one year. Commissioner (Speaker 1) said a shorter term would prioritize prompt zoning work; other members raised concerns about publication costs if repeated notices were needed.

The board discussed whether university or state-owned facilities would be affected; staff noted some sites (for example, projects on state college property) might be treated differently, and that planning and zoning could later propose narrower definitions. The commission agreed to revisit the issue in follow-up work sessions and directed staff to prioritize drafting recommended zoning language.

The motion to adopt the temporary moratorium passed by voice vote. The commission also agreed the moratorium is amendable and can be narrowed by future resolution or ordinance if planning and zoning propose clearer definitions.