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.
Hardin County
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Pro-Data Center Policies
Hardin County temporarily pauses processing data-center zoning and conditional-use applications for 180 days, making new projects needing those approvals harder to advance; existing operations are not directly prohibited.
Rating from Kentucky statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for Hardin County.
Specific to Hardin County only.
current law · County measureTemporarily pauses county acceptance and processing of rezoning and conditional-use applications related to data centers for up to 180 days while regulations are reviewed.Hardin County Ordinance No. 349, Series 2026
What this means
The measure pauses acceptance and processing of data-center-related zoning and conditional-use applications for a 180-day period, making new projects that need those approvals substantially harder to advance during that time. It does not directly prohibit operating existing data centers, and the pause is temporary.
Timing
- Ends
- 180 calendar days after its effective date
The moratorium remains in effect unless repealed, extended, or the Fiscal Court takes final action on proposed zoning changes relating to data centers.
People behind it
- Squire Aaron Pennington
Moved approval of Ordinance No. 349 imposing the temporary data-center moratorium.
- Squire Patsy Whitehead
Seconded approval of Ordinance No. 349.
- County Judge/Executive Keith Taul
Presented Ordinance No. 349 for consideration and signed it as county judge/executive.
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- Hardin County Planning Commission
Responsible for reviewing data-center regulation and recommending changes to the county zoning ordinance.
- Hardin County Attorney
Prepared Ordinance No. 349.
- Hardin County Fiscal Court
Approved and enacted Ordinance No. 349 and Ordinance No. 350.
- Squire Chris Yates
Moved approval of Ordinance No. 350 relating to the sale of dogs and cats.
- Squire Kenny Saltsman
Seconded approval of Ordinance No. 350.
- Animal Control Director Mike McNutt
Helped develop Ordinance No. 350.
- County Attorney Jenny Oldham
Helped develop Ordinance No. 350.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1
Imposes a moratorium on the acceptance and further processing by the Hardin County Board of Adjustment or Planning Commission of any zoning map amendment or conditional use permit application proposing or related to a data center. The moratorium lasts 180 calendar days after the ordinance’s effective date, unless repealed, extended, or ended by final action on related zoning changes.
Sources
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