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.
Carlton County
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Mixed Data Center Policies
Carlton County has enacted a one-year pause on new data centers and expansions, with related permit applications not processed; existing centers may continue operating.
Rating from Minnesota statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for Carlton County.
Specific to Carlton County only.
current law · County measureProhibits new data centers and expansions in Carlton County for one year, and bars related zoning applications from being processed or approved.Minnesota Carlton County Interim Ordinance No. 42 (2026)
What this means
The ordinance would pause new data centers and expansions in Carlton County for one year, and would stop related permit applications from being processed. Existing centers could keep operating, but the one-year pause would substantially delay or block development during that period.
Timing
- Ends
- one year from the date of enactment, unless earlier terminated by the Carlton County Board of Commissioners.
The ordinance, including the moratorium, expires at the end of that period or upon earlier termination.
People behind it
- Carlton County Board of Commissioners
Adopted Interim Ordinance #42 on August 24, 2026. “adopted by the Carlton County Board of Commissioners”
- Carlton County Planning Commission
Was authorized and directed to study whether data-center controls are needed and to recommend ordinance amendments. “authorized and directed to commence a study”
- Carlton County
May enforce the ordinance under county ordinances, state statute, or federal law. “may enforce any provision of this Ordinance”
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements2
A one-year pause bars creating, constructing, or operating a data center, and bars expanding an existing one; the exception is a data center lawfully in existence on the ordinance’s effective date, but it still may not be expanded. The pause may end earlier if the County Board terminates it. “a pause is hereby imposed on the construction or creation or expansion”
While the ordinance is in effect, staff, the Planning Commission, and the County Board may not accept, process, or approve proposals for a conditional or interim use, variance, subdivision, or rezoning related to data-center development. “No proposal for conditional or interim use”
Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions1
A data center lawfully in existence when the ordinance takes effect may continue operating, but it may not expand while the ordinance is in force. “unless lawfully in existence on the effective date”
Sources
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