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.
Butler County
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Mixed Data Center Policies
Butler County enacted a six-month pause on data-center applications in the six townships under county zoning, delaying new construction and expansions there. The measure does not describe a ban on operating existing centers.
Rating from Ohio statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for Butler County.
Specific to Butler County only.
current law · County measure: Hanover, Lemon, Madison, Milford, Oxford, and Ross TownshipsImposes a temporary six-month moratorium, adopted June 16, 2026 and enacted immediately, on the approval, establishment, or construction of data centers or data-processing centers and the issuance of related permits in Hanover, Lemon, Madison, Milford, Oxford, and Ross Townships.Butler County Resolution 26-06-00963 (2026)
What this means
The measure would pause acceptance and approval of data-center applications for six months in the six townships under county zoning, making new construction and expansion substantially harder during that period (six-month moratorium). It is limited in area and time, and the sources do not describe a ban on operating existing centers.
Timing
- Ends
- six months after adoption
The temporary moratorium applies to data centers and data processing centers in Hanover, Lemon, Madison, Milford, Oxford, and Ross townships. No extension condition is stated.
People behind it
- Don Dixon
Butler County commissioner who proposed the six-month data center moratorium.
- Butler County Board of Commissioners
County governing body that approved and enacted the six-month moratorium.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1
Imposes a six-month moratorium on approving, establishing, or constructing any data center or data-processing center, and on issuing or processing related permits, zoning approvals, building approvals, or land-use approvals, in Hanover, Lemon, Madison, Milford, Oxford, and Ross townships—areas subject to the Butler County Zoning Resolution. The moratorium lasts six months.
Sources
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