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.
Madison County
Neutral Data Center Policies
Madison County’s enacted amendment lets data centers seek approval in agricultural and industrial districts, but requires public hearings and may impose project-specific conditions, adding time and uncertainty.
current law · County measureRequires data centers in Madison County’s A-1, A-2, and Industrial districts to obtain conditional-use approval before development.Madison County Land Use Matrix 2026
What this means
The amendment would allow data centers to apply for approval in agricultural and industrial districts, creating a clearer path to build them. But approval would require a conditional-use process, with public hearings and possible project-specific conditions, adding time and uncertainty.
People behind it
- Eric and Sonya Kraft
Applicants who proposed a Conditional Use Permit to construct a storage shed over 1,000 square feet.
- Brenton and Jessica Zimmerer
Applicants who proposed a Conditional Use Permit for outdoor storage of disassembled center pivot irrigation systems.
- Tracy Prothman
Applicant who proposed a Conditional Use Permit to operate a gun repair shop.
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- Heather McWhorter
Madison County Planning and Zoning Administrator who administered the applications and presented and explained the proposed Land Use Matrix amendment.
- Madison County Joint Planning Commission
Planning body that considered the proposals and provided recommendations to the County Board of Commissioners.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements2
Industrial data centers are allowed only as a Conditional Use in the A-1 Agricultural Intensive, A-2 General Agricultural, and I-Industrial zoning districts, rather than as permitted uses by right.
Each future data center proposal must undergo the Conditional Use Permit process, including public hearings before the Planning Commission and County Board, with approval subject to project-specific conditions.
Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions1
The Land Use Matrix adds Industrial Data Center as a Conditional Use in the A-1 Agricultural Intensive, A-2 General Agricultural, and I Industrial zoning districts, creating a permitting pathway for data centers in those districts. The use is not allowed by right: each project must undergo the Conditional Use Permit process, including public hearings and project-specific conditions.
Sources
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