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.
Barry County
Mixed Data Center Policies
Michigan offers equipment tax breaks to qualifying data centers, but some require major investment, job, water, and clean-energy commitments. Large electricity users also face separate rates, fees, and cost reviews; some must accept long contracts and minimum payments.
Rating and summary from Michigan statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for Barry County.
Specific to Barry County only.
pending · County measureLists Barry County’s zoning ordinance and amendments, but does not identify any rules specifically targeting data centers.Barry County proposed data-center zoning amendment and siting provisions (2026)
Sources
pending · County measure: Areas within Barry County subject to the County Zoning Ordinance; the ordinance states that local units may elect to bring some or all of their area under its scope.Would allow hyperscale, colocation, and container data centers by special approval in agricultural, light-industrial, and rural-residential zones and by right in general-industrial zones, subject to detailed requirements for setbacks, noise, water use, safety, and decommissioning; adoption was postponed.Barry County 2026 Draft Zoning Ordinance (2026)
What this means
The draft allows large data centers in the General Industrial district, but imposes substantial requirements, including detailed impact and water-use plans, strict setbacks and noise limits, and funding for decommissioning. Those conditions could make projects more costly and difficult, though the ordinance is only proposed and adoption was postponed for further review (postponed adoption; data center requirements).
People behind it
- Barry County Planning Commission
Recommended and approved the proposed zoning ordinance for adoption.
- Barry County Board of Commissioners
Responsible for adopting the proposed ordinance; postponed adoption to a November meeting for further review.
- Zoning Administrator
Administers and enforces the zoning ordinance.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements4
Proposes a detailed site plan for all types of data centers.
Enterprise and edge facilities would have a 45 dBa sound limit measured at the nearest property line; hyperscale, colocation and container facilities would have a 55 dBA limit at all property lines.
For hyperscale, colocation and container facilities using water cooling, proposes closed-loop or recycled water systems unless another system is shown to have no potable-water impact.
Proposes decommissioning security equal to 125% of projected cost for hyperscale, colocation and container facilities.
Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions2
Proposed special-use pathway in A, LI and RR and permitted use in GI for hyperscale, colocation and container facilities.
Proposed exclusion for facilities under 5 MW used solely for internal business.
Sources
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