LaSalle County board adopts 12‑month moratorium on data‑center permits in unincorporated county

The LaSalle County Board on June 8 adopted an ordinance imposing a 12‑month moratorium on the issuance of permits for data‑center development in unincorporated areas of the county.

County staff said the ordinance is intended to give the zoning board, land use committee and staff time to hold public hearings, gather information and coordinate with other agencies to consider amendments to the county zoning ordinance that would define and regulate data centers, including siting, potential hazards and infrastructure needs. The ordinance language cites county zoning authority under the Illinois County Code (55 ILCS 5/5‑12001 and related sections) and sets an expiration of June 8, 2027, unless the board acts sooner.

Several members asked whether the moratorium applies only in unincorporated territory; staff confirmed the ordinance applies to county‑zoned (unincorporated) land and does not automatically affect municipalities. Board members discussed whether the county health department or Illinois EPA could set water‑use or water‑quality standards relevant to large data‑center projects and noted coordination with state regulators may be needed.

A board member cautioned that a moratorium does not prevent applicants from filing; rather, it signals the county’s intent and provides time to prepare regulations. The motion to adopt the moratorium carried.

The ordinance directs the land‑use committee and staff to schedule studies and public hearings and to return proposed code amendments to the board for consideration within the moratorium period.