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.
Big Rapids Charter Township
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Mixed Data Center Policies
Big Rapids charter township’s enacted ordinance pauses data-center permits, approvals, construction, and related reviews for one year; extensions of up to six months may continue the pause until regulations are adopted.
Rating from Michigan statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for Big Rapids Charter Township.
current law · Big Rapids Charter TownshipProhibits Big Rapids Charter Township from accepting or acting on data center proposals for one year, unless it adopts data-center regulations sooner.Big Rapids Charter Township Data Center Temporary Moratorium Ordinance
What this means
The measure would pause data-center permitting, approvals, construction, and related review in Big Rapids Township for one year, making new projects and expansions substantially harder during that period (“temporary moratorium” for one year). The pause could be extended in periods of six months or less until data-center regulations are adopted, so its practical effect is a major delay rather than a permanent ban.
Timing
- Ends
- One year after passage and publication, or earlier upon the Township’s implementation of regulations governing Data Centers
The Township may extend the moratorium by resolution for periods of six months or less. If an extension exceeds 12 months, a landowner may apply for a waiver upon demonstrating immediate and irreparable harm.
People behind it
- Marek
Township Board member who offered the moratorium ordinance
- Bechaz
Township Board member who supported the offered moratorium ordinance
- Big Rapids Charter Township Board
Legislative body that adopted the moratorium ordinance
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- Bruce Borkovich
Township Supervisor who called the special meeting and signed the adopted ordinance
- Hannah Saez
Township Clerk who certified the adopted measure
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements3
Imposes a temporary one-year moratorium on permitting, consideration, approval, location, erection, construction, review, and installation of all data centers in Big Rapids Charter Township, including like operations and associated infrastructure such as cooling systems, generators, water facilities, battery storage, and utility substations.
Allows the Township to extend the moratorium by resolution for periods of six months or less, until data-center regulations are adopted.
For an extension lasting more than 12 months, a landowner must submit a written waiver request, attend a public hearing, and prove immediate and irreparable harm; any waiver may be limited to what is necessary to avoid that harm.
Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions3
The moratorium lasts for one year or ends earlier when the Township adopts regulations governing data centers, allowing permitting and development to resume once either condition occurs.
Any extension must be approved by resolution and may last no more than six months at a time, limiting the duration of additional restrictions.
If the Township extends the moratorium beyond 12 months, a landowner may apply in writing for a waiver by showing immediate and irreparable harm at a public hearing. The Township Board may grant a waiver to the extent necessary to prevent that harm.
Sources
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