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Regbase

The Data Center Divide

Barnes County

This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.

Slightly Pro-Data Center Policies

Barnes County has enacted a six-month pause on new data center projects, delaying them while officials study rules.

Rating from North Dakota statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for Barnes County.

Specific to Barnes County only.

current law · County measure
Establishes a binding, temporary six-month moratorium on new data centers in Barnes County, giving officials time to research the industry and develop or update county ordinances and regulations.Barnes County Commission six-month data center moratorium (2026)

What this means

A six-month moratorium would temporarily stop new data center projects in Barnes County, creating a substantial delay while officials study rules. The minutes record approval of a six-month moratorium for data centers.

Timing

Ends
six months after adoption

The approved moratorium applies to new data centers and is intended to provide time to research the issue and develop ordinances and regulations. No extension condition is stated.

People behind it

  • Requested a six-month moratorium on data centers.

  • Requested that the six-month data-center moratorium be enacted.

  • Moved to approve the six-month moratorium.

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  • Seconded the motion to approve the six-month moratorium.

Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1

  • A six-month moratorium temporarily prohibits issuing new building permits for data centers in Barnes County while officials research the industry and develop ordinances and regulations.

Sources

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