What this means

If enacted, the measure would pause data center applications and approvals in unincorporated Stephenson County for six months, delaying new projects and expansions while the county develops regulations (six-month moratorium). The proposal also removes the 20-megawatt threshold from the data center definition, potentially bringing more projects within the pause (remove the 20-megawatt provision); it is a substantial but temporary restriction, not a permanent ban.

Timing

Ends

6 months after adoption

The temporary moratorium applies to data center applications and approvals in unincorporated Stephenson County and is stated to last six months.

People behind it

• Stephenson County Board

  Adopted the ordinance establishing the text amendment and temporary moratorium on data center applications and approvals.

• Planning and Development Committee

  Forwarded the proposed zoning text amendment to the Zoning Board of Appeals with a recommendation to remove the twenty-megawatt provision.

• Stephenson County Zoning Board of Appeals

  Considered the proposed amendment and recommended that the County Board grant it as amended.

Sources

• ecode360.com
• stephensoncountyil.gov