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.
Dane County
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Pro-Data Center Policies
Dane County pauses applications and zoning permits for hyperscale data centers in unincorporated areas for 18 months, blocking permit-dependent new projects and expansions. Smaller centers and existing operations are not covered.
Rating from Wisconsin statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for Dane County.
Specific to Dane County only.
current law · Unincorporated areasEstablishes a moratorium on Dane County’s receipt of applications for, and granting of, all zoning-related permits for placing or constructing hyperscale data centers, defined as facilities using at least 5,000 servers and 10,000 square feet of floor space.Wisconsin 2026 RES-039, Sub. 1 (2026)
What this means
The measure pauses applications for and zoning permits to build or place hyperscale data centers in unincorporated areas for 18 months. That is a major temporary barrier to new projects and expansions needing permits, but it does not ban smaller data centers or stop existing centers from operating.
Timing
- Ends
- 18 months from the ordinance's effective date, or earlier if rescinded
The moratorium applies to applications for and grants of zoning-related permits for hyperscale data centers. The sources do not state the effective date, so a calendar expiration date cannot be determined.
People behind it
- Patrick Miles
Listed as a sponsor of the resolution.
- Keith Furman
Listed as a sponsor of the resolution.
- Kerry Marren
Listed as a sponsor of the resolution.
Show 18 more peopleShow fewer people
- Michele Doolan
Listed as a sponsor of the resolution.
- Don Postler
Listed as a sponsor of the resolution.
- Yogesh Chawla
Listed as a sponsor of the resolution.
- Heidi Wegleitner
Listed as a sponsor of the resolution.
- Aria Trucios
Listed as a sponsor of the resolution.
- Paula Brandmeier
Listed as a sponsor of the resolution.
- Matt Veldran
Listed as a sponsor of the resolution.
- Tommy Rylander
Listed as a sponsor of the resolution.
- Patrick Downing
Listed as a sponsor of the resolution.
- Jay Brower
Listed as a sponsor of the resolution.
- Gussie Lewis
Listed as a sponsor of the resolution.
- Michael Engelberger
Listed as a sponsor of the resolution.
- Goodwill Obieze
Listed as a sponsor of the resolution.
- Kierstin Huelsemann
Listed as a sponsor of the resolution.
- Michele Ritt
Listed as a sponsor of the resolution.
- Zoning & Land Regulation Committee
Recommended Sub. 1 to the resolution for approval.
- County Board
Adopted the resolution.
- County Executive
Signed the resolution.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1
For 18 months from the ordinance’s effective date, or until rescinded sooner, the measure bars receiving applications for and granting zoning-related permits to site or construct hyperscale data centers in unincorporated Dane County. Hyperscale means a data center using at least 5,000 servers and 10,000 square feet of floor space. The moratorium on applications and permits is limited to hyperscale data centers.
Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions1
The moratorium applies only to hyperscale data centers, defined as facilities using at least 5,000 servers and 10,000 square feet of floor space. Smaller data centers are not covered by this moratorium, though the measure does not exempt them from other zoning rules. at least 5,000 servers and 10,000 square feet
Sources
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