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.
Dunn County
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Slightly Pro-Data Center Policies
Dunn County has an enacted 12-month pause on new data-center projects while it updates zoning rules. The description says it does not appear to affect existing facilities or permanently bar development, though it also describes the moratorium as conditional.
Rating from North Dakota statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for Dunn County.
Specific to Dunn County only.
current law · County measureDunn County commissioners issued a 12-month moratorium on data centers, also covering solar farms and battery storage facilities.Dunn County Commission motion imposing a 12-month moratorium on data centers, solar energy, and battery facilities (2026)
What this means
If enacted, the 12-month moratorium on data centers would temporarily block new projects while the county updates its zoning rules. It does not appear to ban existing facilities or permanently stop development, but a year-long pause is a major barrier to building or expanding during that period.
Timing
Reporting describes a 12-month moratorium. Approximately March 2027 would be the anniversary-based estimate if it began in March 2026, not a verified legal expiration date. Exact commencement, early-lifting provisions, extensions and later termination are not verified from the attached adopted text because that text was not obtained.
People behind it
- Dunn County Board of County Commissioners
Adopting authority: reporting states Dunn County commissioners issued a 12-month moratorium. Individual movers, seconders and roll-call votes are not verified from signed minutes.
- Sandy Rohde
Identified as Planning and Zoning Director Sandy Rohde; explains that the pause gives staff time to develop permitting ordinances. The report does not establish that she formally sponsored the motion.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements2
Commissioners reportedly imposed a 12-month moratorium on data centers. Reporting characterizes the action as a pause on new facilities; grandfathering, permit-processing mechanics and exceptions are not established by the attached sources.
The motion also covers solar farms and battery storage facilities. This does not establish that wind facilities were included: the same report separately describes wind ordinances as work in progress.
Sources
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