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.
Freedom Township
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Neutral Data Center Policies
Freedom Township has enacted a measure described as pausing data-center zoning applications for at least a year, with possible 180-day extensions until new rules are adopted; property owners may appeal.
Rating from Washtenaw County as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for Freedom Township.
current law · Freedom TownshipProhibits Freedom Township from reviewing or approving commercial data-center applications for up to 365 days, or until it adopts data-center rules, with possible extensions.Freedom Township Ordinance No. 56 (2026)
What this means
The measure would stop the township from accepting data-center zoning applications for at least a year, delaying new projects and expansions. The pause could be extended in 180-day periods until new rules are adopted, though property owners could appeal.
Timing
- Ends
- 365 days after 2026-03-18, or earlier when the Planning Commission recommends and the Township Board approves and adopts applicable regulations
The Township Board may extend the moratorium by resolution for additional 180-day periods until adequate policies and regulations have been adopted.
People behind it
- Freedom Township Board
Adopted Ordinance No. 56 and is the township governing body responsible for administering the measure.
- Member Lindemann
Moved for adoption of Ordinance No. 56.
- Valisa Bristle
Seconded the motion to adopt Ordinance No. 56 and, as Township Clerk, is responsible for its publication and certification.
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- Freedom Township Planning Commission
Was directed to study data-center uses and recommend related policies and regulations to the Township Board.
- Freedom Township
Issuer and administering authority for the regulation.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements6
A moratorium prohibits Freedom Township from accepting, reviewing, considering, or approving zoning applications for commercial-grade data centers.
The moratorium lasts 365 days after its March 18, 2026 effective date, or until the Planning Commission recommends and the Township Board adopts data-center regulations, whichever occurs first.
The Township Board may extend the moratorium by resolution for additional 180-day periods until it determines that adequate data-center policies and regulations have been adopted.
Before data-center applications may proceed after the moratorium, the Planning Commission must study data-center impacts and recommend zoning amendments identifying permitted districts, approval conditions, and operating and maintenance regulations.
An appeal of the moratorium requires the property owner's written consent and a signed written filing with the Township Clerk specifying the requested relief and explaining and substantiating its legal or economic basis.
Appeals generally must be filed at least 21 days before a regularly scheduled Township Board meeting; otherwise, the hearing is deferred to the following meeting.
Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions3
The data-center moratorium ends after 365 days, or earlier if the Planning Commission recommends and the Township Board adopts regulations addressing data centers, allowing applications to resume once either condition is met.
A property owner, or a business with the owner's written consent, may appeal the moratorium to the Township Board and request relief for a proposed data center.
The Township Board may grant an appeal or other legally required relief, and must grant relief to the extent necessary if the moratorium eliminates all viable economic use of the property or violates state or federal law.
Sources
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