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.
Howell Township
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Mixed Data Center Policies
Howell Township’s ordinance is labeled enacted, though its description says “if enacted”; it would bar data centers for six months, with waivers solely at the Township Board’s discretion.
Rating from Michigan statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for Howell Township.
current law · Howell TownshipTemporarily prohibits establishing, permitting, approving, locating, constructing, or installing data centers in Howell Township for six months, while allowing the Township Board to grant a waiver.Howell Township Data Center Moratorium Ordinance (2025)
What this means
If enacted, the ordinance would temporarily bar establishing or using data centers in Howell Township for six months, making new projects and operations substantially harder during that period (temporary blanket prohibition). The Township Board could grant a waiver, but only at its discretion, so this exception does not offset the significant delay (waiver provision).
Timing
- Ends
- six (6) months from the effective date of the Ordinance, or earlier if the Township enacts a regulatory ordinance governing data centers
The ordinance imposes a blanket prohibition on establishing, permitting, approving, locating, constructing, or installing data centers. The Township Board may extend or terminate the moratorium by resolution. It takes effect immediately after publication, but the publication date and therefore the exact calendar expiration date are not provided.
People behind it
- Howell Township Board
Municipal body that proposed, considered, and adopted the data center moratorium and renewable energy zoning ordinance.
- Mike Coddington
Howell Township Supervisor who signed the adopted data center moratorium ordinance.
- Sue Daus
Howell Township Clerk who attested and certified the ordinances and was responsible for their publication and recording.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements3
A temporary blanket prohibition bars establishing or using data centers in Howell Township, including their permitting, consideration, approval, location, construction, and installation. The Township hereby temporarily enacts a blanket prohibition
The moratorium lasts six months from its effective date, unless the Township adopts a regulatory ordinance earlier; the Township Board may also extend or terminate it by resolution. This Ordinance shall terminate
An applicant may seek a waiver, but the Township Board must find that the waiver would not affect Township health or safety and is reasonable and consistent with the Township Zoning Ordinance. A waiver of the moratorium may be granted
Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions2
Data processing, which the Township has administered to include data centers, is listed as a permitted principal use in the Research and Technology (RT) zoning district. This existing permission is temporarily overridden by the six-month moratorium, unless the moratorium ends earlier when new data-center regulations are enacted.
An applicant may request a waiver of the moratorium. The Township Board may grant one if it finds that the data center would not affect Township health and safety and that the waiver is reasonable and consistent with the Township Zoning Ordinance.
Sources
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