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.
Adams County
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Neutral Data Center Policies
Adams County enacted a 24-month pause on most data-center approvals and related construction, expansion, and operations in unincorporated areas; individual applications may still be considered.
Rating from Iowa statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for Adams County.
Specific to Adams County only.
current law · Unincorporated areasProhibits data center construction and related approvals in unincorporated Adams County for 24 months, though individual applications may be considered by the Board.Iowa Resolution 2026-25 (2026)
What this means
The measure would pause most data-center approvals and related construction, expansion, and operation in unincorporated Adams County for 24 months. Individual applications could be considered, but the broad pause would make development substantially harder and delay projects.
Timing
- Ends
- 24 months from the date of adoption
The moratorium was adopted on 2026-06-15 and remains in effect for 24 months unless earlier repealed, modified, or extended by the County Board as permitted by law.
People behind it
- Adams County Board of Supervisors
Proposed, adopted, and authorized the data center moratorium through Resolution 2026-25.
- Tony Hardisty
Moved approval of Resolution 2026-25 establishing the data center moratorium.
- Leland Shipley
Seconded the motion to approve Resolution 2026-25.
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- Adams County Community Development Department
Responsible for studying the impacts of data centers and drafting appropriate Land Use Code amendments during the moratorium.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements4
A 24-month moratorium prohibits the County from accepting, processing, approving, or issuing approvals for new data center facilities and for their siting, construction, establishment, expansion, or operation. The moratorium is effective upon adoption on June 15, 2026, unless earlier repealed, modified, or extended by the County Board.
During the moratorium, the County may not accept, process, approve, or issue building permits, zoning permits, conditional-use permits, special-use permits, site-plan approvals, subdivision approvals, or any other land-use or development approvals related to a data center.
No person or entity may begin construction, grading, excavation, infrastructure installation, or other development activity associated with a data center during the moratorium.
Individual data center applications may be submitted for consideration by the Adams County Board of Supervisors on a case-by-case basis.
Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions1
Individual data-center applications may be submitted to and considered by the Adams County Board of Supervisors on a case-by-case basis during the 24-month moratorium; approval is not automatic.
Sources
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