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.
Richfield Township
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Mixed Data Center Policies
Richfield Township has enacted a temporary pause on accepting or processing data-center applications until May 1, 2029, unless new zoning rules take effect sooner.
Rating from Michigan statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for Richfield Township.
current law · Richfield TownshipProhibits Richfield Township from accepting or processing data center applications until May 1, 2029, or until data center zoning amendments take effect, whichever comes first.Richfield Township Data Center Moratorium (2026)
What this means
The measure would stop the township from accepting or processing any data-center applications until May 1, 2029, unless new zoning rules take effect sooner. That multi-year pause would make building or expanding data centers substantially harder, though it is temporary rather than a permanent ban.
Timing
- Ends
- 2029-05-01, or when amendments to the Zoning Ordinance regarding data centers become effective, whichever occurs first
The moratorium applies to accepting or processing applications for data centers. The Township Board may extend it by resolution to allow additional time for review or zoning ordinance changes.
People behind it
- Richfield Township
Adopted Ordinance #76, amending the zoning ordinance and imposing the temporary data center moratorium.
- Terr Hidey
Township Board member who offered Ordinance #76 for adoption.
- Greg Watt
Township Board member who seconded the motion to adopt Ordinance #76.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements3
Imposes a temporary moratorium on accepting or processing any applications for data centers, preventing new data-center projects from advancing through the application process.
The data-center moratorium remains in effect until May 1, 2029, or until amendments to the zoning ordinance concerning data centers become effective, whichever occurs first; the Township Board may extend it by resolution.
The ordinance becomes effective eight days after publication following adoption, delaying the start of the data-center restrictions until that waiting period expires.
Sources
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