What this means

The Board removed the proposed data-center rules from Ordinance 330, so those extra operating requirements would not take effect under this ordinance (data-center standards removed). But a separate resolution extends a pause on data-center applications and permits until on or before March 31, 2027, which makes building or expanding substantially harder in the meantime (moratorium expiration).

Timing

Ends

on or before 2027-03-31

Resolution #26-69 extends the moratorium on accepting applications or issuing permits for digital asset mining, cryptocurrency operations, and data processing centers in unincorporated Story County while regulations are developed. The moratorium expires on or before 2027-03-31. Ordinance No. 330 separately regulates battery/energy storage systems; the moratorium resolution does not expressly include battery storage.

People behind it

• Story County Planning and Development

  Applicant and county department responsible for proposing and administering the text amendment.

• Leanne Harter

  Director of Story County Planning and Development and staff project manager who prepared, presented, and recommended Ordinance No. 330.

Sources

• www.storycountyiowa.gov
• www.storycountyiowa.gov
• www.storycountyiowa.gov

What this means

The measure would block new data-center applications and permits in unincorporated Story County until March 31, 2027, making new development substantially harder during that period (no applications or permits). It does not say existing data centers must stop operating, and it applies only to unincorporated areas.

Timing

Ends

Mar 31, 2027

The temporary moratorium applies to digital asset mining, cryptocurrency operations, and data processing centers on properties in unincorporated Story County. It expires on or before 2027-03-31.

People behind it

• Story County Board of Supervisors

  Adopted Resolution #26-69 establishing the temporary moratorium.

• Leanne Harter

  Prepared the resolution and, as Director of Planning and Development, reported on and administered the moratorium proposal.

• Story County Planning and Development Department

  Developed the proposed regulations and was directed to develop and bring forward the temporary moratorium.

Sources

• www.storycountyiowa.gov
• www.storycountyiowa.gov

What this means

The measure would pause accepting applications and issuing permits for data centers in unincorporated Story County until March 31, 2026 (moratorium effective until March 31, 2026). That blocks new development in the affected area while the pause is in force, though its short duration and limited geographic scope keep it from being a permanent ban.

Timing

Ends

Mar 31, 2026

The resolution extends the moratorium on accepting applications and issuing permits for digital asset mining, cryptocurrency operations, data processing centers, and battery/energy storage solutions in unincorporated Story County through 2026-03-31. The extension was authorized if additional time was needed to complete the County's review and recommendation process.

People behind it

• Leanne Harter

  Prepared Resolution 26-39.

• Story County Planning and Development Department

  Requested the additional time and facilitated the review and approval process.

• Story County Board of Supervisors

  Adopted and approved the resolution extending the moratorium through March 31, 2026.

Sources

• www.storycountyiowa.gov
• storycountyiowa.gov
• www.storycountyiowa.gov

What this means

If enacted, the measure would block new permit applications and permits for data processing centers in unincorporated Story County until December 31, 2025, with a possible extension through March 31, 2026 (moratorium terms). It would not itself stop existing data centers from operating, but it would create a major temporary barrier to building or expanding them in the affected area.

Timing

Ends

Dec 31, 2025

The moratorium applies to applications and permits for digital asset mining, cryptocurrency operations, data processing centers, and battery/energy storage solutions in unincorporated Story County. It may be extended one time by Board resolution through 2026-03-31.

People behind it

• Leanne Harter

  Story County Planning and Development Director who prepared the memorandum and proposed the temporary moratorium for Board consideration.

• Story County Planning and Development Department

  County department that developed and administered the proposed moratorium and related land-development-regulation review.

• Latifah Faisal

  Story County supervisor who moved approval of Resolution #25-97.

Sources

• storycountyiowa.gov
• www.storycountyiowa.gov
• www.storycountyiowa.gov