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.
Village of Dryden
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Pro-Data Center Policies
Dryden village: An enacted measure extends a pause on commercial cryptocurrency mining and data-processing centers, delaying or preventing covered projects while it lasts; its duration is unspecified.
Rating from New York statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for Village of Dryden.
current law · Town of DrydenIdentifies Town of Dryden Local Law No. 2 of 2026 as a local law concerning definitions for data centers.Town of Dryden Local Law No. 2 of 2026
What this means
The measure would extend a moratorium on commercial cryptocurrency mining operations and data processing centers, substantially delaying or preventing covered data center projects while it is in effect. The source doesn’t state the extension’s duration, so it’s unclear how long the restriction would last.
Timing
The disposition list identifies a moratorium adopted 2024-07-31 and a later moratorium extension adopted 2026-01-15, but does not state an expiration date or ending condition for either. Moratorium on Commercial Cryptocurrency Mining Operations and Data Processing Centers; Moratorium Extension on Commercial Cryptocurrency Mining Operations and Data Processing Centers.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1
A moratorium covering commercial cryptocurrency mining operations and data processing centers was enacted in 2024; a 2026 local law extended it. The available source does not state the moratorium’s duration or detailed terms. 2024 moratorium 2026 extension
Sources
expired · Town of DrydenEstablishes an 18-month moratorium on commercial cryptocurrency-mining operations and data-processing centers throughout the Town of Dryden while the Town develops zoning and land-use regulations addressing their potential impacts.Town of Dryden Local Law No. 2 of 2024
What this means
The measure pauses applications and permits for data centers for 18 months, including pending applications, and bars expansion, making new development substantially harder. Already approved centers may continue operating, but that exception does not remove the significant barrier to building or expanding.
Timing
The 2024 law sets an 18-month term from its effective date, unless the Town Board terminates it earlier. The disposition list also records a 2026 moratorium-extension law, but its terms are not provided, so the moratorium’s current expiration is unclear.
People behind it
- Town Board of the Town of Dryden
Enacted the local law and is authorized to consider hardship variance requests and end the moratorium early. The Town Board ... does hereby enact a moratorium.
- Code Enforcement Officer
Designated enforcement officer, with authority to issue compliance orders and appearance tickets. designated as the enforcement officer.
- Building Inspector
Named among the officials who must not accept applications for, or grant permits to, covered operations. shall not accept an application.
Show 2 more peopleShow fewer people
- Review Board
Named among the boards and officials that must not accept applications for, or grant permits to, covered operations. shall not accept an application.
- Zoning Board of Appeals
Named among the boards and officials that must not accept applications for, or grant permits to, covered operations. shall not accept an application.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements4
A townwide moratorium bars officials from accepting applications or granting permits for covered data processing centers and commercial cryptocurrency mining operations. It also bars approval of related applications, including site plans and special-use and building permits, whether pending or submitted before the law took effect; no default approval may result. The moratorium lasts 18 months from its effective date unless the Town Board ends it earlier. The definition of data processing center includes AI and general data computing, processing, and storage facilities. Moratorium and application restrictions
Previously approved facilities may continue only if they were operating lawfully and in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and required permits as of the law’s effective date. Expansion of a grandfathered facility is prohibited. Grandfathering and expansion limits
The Town Board may grant a hardship use variance after public notice and a hearing, but an applicant must meet all four statutory hardship tests, including showing a substantial lack of reasonable return with competent financial evidence, a unique hardship, no change to the neighborhood’s essential character, and no self-created hardship. Any variance must be the minimum necessary. Hardship variance requirements
Violations can trigger written compliance orders and, upon conviction, a fine of up to $250, imprisonment for up to 15 days, or both; each week of continued violation is a separate violation. The Town may also seek civil penalties of up to $2,500 per day, authorized injunctive relief, and reimbursement of enforcement costs, including reasonable attorney’s fees. Penalties and enforcement costs
Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions2
Previously approved data processing centers that were operating in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and permits may continue as pre-existing, nonconforming uses. This protection does not allow expansion.
A person aggrieved by the moratorium may seek a hardship use variance from the Town Board after public notice and a hearing. The applicant must prove unnecessary hardship under the stated criteria, and any variance is limited to the minimum necessary; the project must still comply with applicable land-use laws and regulations.
Sources
Data provided by Regbase · Cookie preferences · Report missing data