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The Data Center Divide

Bowman County

Slightly Pro-Data Center Policies

North Dakota offers qualifying certified data centers tax breaks on equipment and software, while exempting onsite backup generators from a siting-related facility definition; a study of large energy users is also required.

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

Specific to Bowman County only.

pending · Unincorporated areas, except townships retaining zoning authority and areas within incorporated cities or applicable extraterritorial jurisdictions
Remains a proposed, not-yet-enacted moratorium covering data centers, cryptocurrency-mining facilities, artificial-intelligence computing facilities, and battery-storage facilities; it was referred back to the Planning and Zoning Board and was not adopted at the October 6, 2026 Commission meeting (Commission proceedings).Bowman County Data Center Ordinance (Draft)

What this means

If enacted, the proposed moratorium would pause data-center development while the county considers rules, creating a major barrier and delay. The source identifies the proposal but gives no duration or detailed terms; the county agenda lists a hearing on a data center and related-facility moratorium.

Timing

The sources identify a proposed moratorium on data centers, cryptocurrency mining, artificial intelligence computing facilities, and battery storage facilities. They do not specify an expiration date, duration, ending condition, or extension provision.

People behind it

  • Adopts and administers the zoning ordinance, reviews conditional-use applications, approves amendments, and makes final decisions on zoning matters.

  • Conducts public hearings, reviews applications, makes recommendations, and administers conditional-use, variance, subdivision, wind, and solar provisions.

  • Administers and enforces the ordinance, receives applications, issues zoning permits, conducts inspections, and maintains zoning records.

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  • Administers the county's zoning and subdivision regulations and provides staff support to the Planning and Zoning Board.

Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements4

  • Data centers are not expressly listed as a permitted or conditional use. The ordinance states that any use not explicitly identified is prohibited until added through the amendment process. Any use not identified explicitly

  • A zoning permit is required before constructing, altering, converting, or using a building, structure, or land. The permit expires one year after issuance, and the applicant must pay the county's established fees and application-processing costs. It shall be unlawful

  • If a data center is authorized through the conditional-use process, it must undergo a public hearing and satisfy standards concerning public health and safety, neighboring property values, surrounding development, utilities, roads, drainage, access, and district regulations. The Planning and Zoning Board may impose conditions or revoke the permit for noncompliance, and the permit becomes void if the use is not instituted within one year. No conditional use permit shall be recommended

  • The county's public notice announces a proposed moratorium on data centers, cryptocurrency-mining facilities, artificial-intelligence computing facilities, and battery-storage facilities, with a Planning and Zoning Board hearing scheduled for October 29, 2026, followed by County Commission consideration. The sources do not state the moratorium's duration or confirm its adoption. proposed Data Center

Sources

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