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.
De Witt County
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Anti-Data Center Policies
De Witt County has enacted a two-year pause on new data-center development while it studies the issue. Data centers are not allowed under current zoning, and permits require a zoning-code change; the pause is not a permanent ban.
current law · County measureRequires DeWitt County to amend its zoning code before processing permits for data centers, which are not currently an allowed use.De Witt County data center moratorium proposal (2026)
What this means
The proposed two-year moratorium would prevent new data center development while the county studies the issue, a major temporary barrier. The county also said data centers are not currently allowed and applications would require a zoning-code change, so development could face further delay; this is not a permanent ban. A draft for a 2-year moratorium
People behind it
- Buck Carter
Chair of the Land Use Committee who presented the draft two-year data center moratorium and later proposed exploring a data center ordinance.
- DeWitt County Land Use Committee
Committee that developed and advanced the draft moratorium for review by the State’s Attorney, Regional Planning Commission, and full County Board.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements2
Data centers are not an allowable use under the existing DeWitt County Zoning Code; a zoning text amendment must be adopted before any special-use permit or building-permit application can be processed.
A proposed two-year moratorium would temporarily prohibit data-center development while the county conducts research and decides whether data centers are appropriate for DeWitt County.
Sources
Specific to De Witt County only.
current law · Unincorporated areasAffirms that data centers are not allowed under DeWitt County’s current zoning code and requires a zoning text amendment before related permits can be processed.De Witt County Board resolution affirming data centers are not an allowable use under the existing zoning code (2026)
What this means
If enacted, the measure would prevent data-center permits from being processed until the county changes its zoning code, creating a significant barrier and likely delay. It is not a permanent ban because the county could change the code; the sources do not say how long that would take or what rules would follow (text amendment required before permits are processed).
Timing
- Ends
- until a text amendment to the DeWitt County Zoning Code is adopted
The resolution prevents data-center special-use or building-permit processing under the existing code. No calendar expiration date or extension condition is stated.
People behind it
- Carter
Moved the resolution affirming that data centers are not an allowable use under the existing DeWitt County Zoning Code and proposed its amendment.
- Ryan
Seconded Carter’s motions concerning the resolution and its amendment.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1
Data centers are not an allowable use under the existing DeWitt County Zoning Code; a zoning text amendment must be adopted before any special-use permit or building permit for a data center can be processed.
Sources
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