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.
Village of Jefferson
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Mixed Data Center Policies
Jefferson village enacted a temporary, up-to-12-month pause on data-center zoning and occupancy permits, delaying new projects and possibly expansions, not existing operations.
Rating from Ohio statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for Village of Jefferson.
current law · Village of JeffersonEstablishes an emergency 12-month moratorium on data centers, adopted unanimously by the Jefferson Village Council on August 17, 2026.Village of Jefferson Emergency Ordinance Establishing a 12-Month Data Center Moratorium (August 17, 2026)
What this means
The measure pauses data-center-related zoning and occupancy permits for up to 12 months, delaying new projects and potentially permitted expansions while the village reviews its rules (12-month moratorium on permits). It is temporary, not a permanent ban, and the sources do not say it stops existing data centers from operating.
Timing
- Ends
- 12 months after adoption
The moratorium applies to accepting, considering, or issuing zoning or occupancy permits for data centers as a principal use. It lasts 12 months unless further legislation terminates or extends it.
People behind it
- Karen Roderick
Finance Committee chair who initiated discussion of the moratorium and presented a comparable ordinance for consideration.
- Finance Committee
Committee from which the moratorium proposal originated.
- Jason Fairchild
Village solicitor asked to draft the moratorium ordinance.
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- Jefferson Village Council
Legislative body that suspended its rules and adopted the 12-month moratorium as an emergency ordinance.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements2
For up to 12 months, the village may not accept for filing or consideration, or issue zoning or occupancy permits, for any building, structure, use, or change of use involving a data center as a principal use. The moratorium may end earlier or be extended through additional council legislation.
Data centers are not currently permitted as a principally permitted use under the village’s zoning code.
Sources
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