The Data Center Divide
A policy snapshot ahead of the 2026 midterms. Mapping data center incentives, restrictions, and bans through legislation, regulations, and executive actions across all 50 states and 1,462 local jurisdictions.
City of Harrington
Anti-Data Center Policies
Kent County’s enacted ordinance limits data centers to two industrial districts, bars them from general business zones, and requires setbacks and proof of available water and electricity. It creates meaningful hurdles but does not ban them.
Rating and summary from Kent County as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for City of Harrington.
failed · City of HarringtonFailed to add data centers as conditional uses in Harrington’s manufacturing zone because City Council denied the ordinance.Harrington City Council Proposed Zoning Amendment to Allow Data Centers in Manufacturing Zones (2026)
What this means
If enacted, the measure would allow data centers to seek approval as a conditional use in Harrington’s manufacturing zone, creating a meaningful path to development. Projects would still need conditional-use approval, and the ordinance adds no special incentives or operating protections. Data centers as a conditional use
People behind it
- Mayor and Council of the City of Harrington
Proposed and formally introduced the ordinance to add data centers as a conditional use in the Manufacturing Zone.
- Clerk of Council
Responsible for certifying the ordinance, arranging its publication, and administering its effective-date requirements.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements2
Data centers would require approval through the City's conditional-use process under Article XVI, rather than being allowed as a permitted use in the Manufacturing Zone. The ordinance lists "Data Centers" as a conditional use.
The City Council denied Ordinance 25-08 by a unanimous six-member vote, so the proposed authorization for data centers in the Manufacturing Zone did not take effect. The minutes record that the motion to deny Ordinance 25-08 passed with six yes votes.
Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions1
Adds data centers as a conditional use in the Manufacturing Zone, allowing them to seek approval through the City’s conditional-use permit process under Article XVI.
Sources
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