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.
City of Ironton
Anti-Data Center Policies
Ironton’s enacted ordinance limits data centers to industrial zones, requires 300 feet of separation from residential zones, and sets noise and water and sewage standards. It creates siting and operating hurdles but does not ban them.
current law · City of IrontonIronton Council unanimously adopted Amended Ordinance 26-09 on May 14, 2026, amending zoning to define and add requirements for data centers and accessory uses.City of Ironton Ordinance 26-09 (2026)
What this means
The ordinance would restrict data centers to industrial zones, keep them at least 300 feet from residential zones, and require noise mitigation and compliance with Ohio EPA water and sewage standards (siting and operating rules). These conditions add meaningful siting and operating hurdles, but still allow data centers in suitable areas, so the measure is a barrier rather than a ban.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1
Reported industrial-zone restriction and minimum 300-foot separation from residential zones, with noise mitigation and Ohio EPA water/sewage compliance. Details rely on reporting, not retrieved ordinance text.
Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions1
Reported transition from moratorium to a regulated siting framework: new zoning takes effect after the remaining moratorium period. No incentive verified.
Sources
repealed · City of IrontonTemporarily prohibits AI data centers in Ironton until the city passes its proposed zoning rules defining data centers and where they may operate.Ironton Ordinance 26-01 (2026)
What this means
The measure would temporarily stop AI data centers in Ironton while new zoning rules are prepared; the moratorium would automatically end when Ordinance 26-09 is passed. The proposed zoning changes would add data-center-specific rules, but their details are not in the sources, so their lasting impact is unclear.
Timing
- Ends
- Automatically repealed once Ordinance 26-09 is passed; otherwise, it may last up to one year.
The February 12, 2026 amendment added automatic repeal upon passage of the data-center zoning ordinance. The sources do not provide a specific calendar expiration date.
People behind it
- Jacob Hock
Introduced the emergency vote for the AI data center moratorium and was explicitly identified as a sponsor of the proposed data center zoning ordinance.
- Sarah Simmons
Explicitly identified as a sponsor of the proposed data center zoning ordinance.
- Chris Haney
Explicitly identified as a sponsor of the proposed data center zoning ordinance.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1
Ordinance 26-01 imposed a moratorium on AI data centers in Ironton, temporarily preventing their development for up to one year; the moratorium was amended to end automatically once Ordinance 26-09 establishing data-center zoning requirements is passed.
Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions1
Automatic-repeal clause ties the pause to passage of permanent zoning. No incentive or broader approval right verified in this moratorium.
Sources
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