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.
Lake County
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Mixed Data Center Policies
Lake County has enacted a temporary moratorium on new data centers and expansions in unincorporated areas. Its duration is unspecified, and the description does not say it stops existing centers from operating.
Rating from Illinois statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for Lake County.
Specific to Lake County only.
current law · Unincorporated areasTemporarily prohibits data centers in unincorporated Lake County.Lake County, Illinois Ordinance 26-1018 (2026) — Data Centers Moratorium
What this means
The measure would impose a temporary moratorium on data centers in unincorporated Lake County, making new development and expansion substantially harder while it is in effect. The source does not state how long the moratorium would last or indicate that it would stop existing centers from operating.
Timing
The measure is identified as imposing a temporary moratorium on data centers in unincorporated Lake County, but the supplied sources do not state an expiration date, duration, ending condition, or extension provision.
People behind it
- Planning, Building, Zoning and Environment Committee
Recommended initiating the public-hearing process and proposed amendments defining and imposing the temporary data-center moratorium.
- Lake County Board
Directed the Lake County Zoning Board of Appeals to hold a public hearing and adopted the ordinance.
- Lake County Zoning Board of Appeals
Conducted the public hearing and unanimously recommended approval of the proposed amendments.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1
Temporary moratorium on data centers: The ordinance defines data centers and imposes a temporary moratorium on data centers in unincorporated Lake County, restricting their establishment during the moratorium. temporary moratorium on data centers in unincorporated Lake County
Sources
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