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 Aberdeen
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Anti-Data Center Policies
Aberdeen has enacted a temporary permit freeze on new data centers, expansions, and new operations through July 1, 2027. Existing lawful operations and valid permits may continue, along with maintenance and safety repairs.
Rating from Brown County as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for City of Aberdeen.
current law · City of AberdeenEstablishes a temporary pause on Aberdeen permits and licenses for data-center construction, development, expansion, or new operations while the City studies impacts and considers zoning rules.Aberdeen, South Dakota Resolution 26-07-04R (2026)
What this means
The measure would temporarily block permits for new data centers, expansions, and new operations until July 1, 2027, making development substantially harder during that period (moratorium expiration). Existing lawful operations and valid permits could continue, and maintenance and safety repairs would still be allowed.
Timing
- Ends
- 2027-07-01, at 12:01 a.m. local time, or earlier upon the effective date of an ordinance regulating data centers
The resolution says there is no automatic renewal. The moratorium preserves previously issued valid permits and vested rights, allows continued lawful operation of existing facilities, and permits maintenance, repair, or health-and-safety work that does not expand approved capacity.
People behind it
- Aberdeen City Council
Adopted the resolution extending the data-center permitting moratorium and will consider ending it early.
- City officials
Must defer issuance of local permits or licenses covered by the moratorium.
- City staff
Must continue studying data-center impacts, solicit public input, and report progress to the Council.
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- Jordan McQuillen
As Finance Officer, is directed to record the resolution and arrange its publication.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1
Aberdeen bars issuance of local permits or licenses for new data center construction, development, expansion, or commencement of operations within city limits; applications are received and retained, but approval and issuance are deferred to the extent allowed by law. The moratorium ends at 12:01 a.m. July 1, 2027, or earlier if a data-center zoning ordinance takes effect. Previously issued valid permits and vested rights, existing lawful operations, and maintenance or safety repairs that do not expand or increase approved capacity are exempt. The moratorium’s scope, end date, and exceptions
Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions1
Existing valid permits and vested rights are preserved, and existing facilities may continue lawful operations; maintenance, repairs, and health-or-safety corrections are allowed if they do not authorize expansion or increased capacity. Existing rights and safety work
Sources
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