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.
Town of Grant
Anti-Data Center Policies
Grant town requires data centers, likely classified as industrial uses, to obtain a conditional-use permit, submit detailed plans, and receive Town Board approval, creating a hurdle without expressly banning them.
current law · Town of GrantEstablishes land-use controls throughout the Town of Grant, Wisconsin, through residential, agricultural, commercial, industrial, and conservancy zoning districts under Town of Grant Zoning Ordinance No. 2026-01, approved by Portage County Planning & Zoning on March 24, 2026.Town of Grant Zoning Ordinance No. 2026-01 (2026)
What this means
A data center would likely be treated as a principal industrial use, which requires a conditional-use permit, detailed plans, and Town Board approval (industrial uses require conditional approval). That review can add time and conditions, but the ordinance does not expressly ban data centers, so the likely effect is a meaningful hurdle rather than a severe barrier.
People behind it
- Town Board
The ordinance assigns the Town Board authority to amend zoning regulations and directs enforcement under its oversight (may amend, supplement or change the regulations).
- Zoning Administrator
The ordinance creates this office to uphold and enforce its terms and administer required permits (office of Zoning Administrator).
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements8
A zoning permit is required to build, enlarge, structurally alter, move, or demolish a building or structure. The application must include a scaled site sketch and other requested information, and the permit cannot issue until applicable federal, state, and local requirements are met. A zoning permit is required
In the Industrial District, all main or principal uses and buildings require a conditional use permit and detailed plans for review and Town Board approval. All main or principal uses and buildings
A conditional use permit requires review by the Zoning Administrator and Plan Commission, a public hearing, and Town Board action. The application must reach the Plan Commission at least seven days before its meeting; the Commission generally has 45 days to recommend action, the hearing is to be held within 90 days after a complete application is accepted, and the Board generally rules within 90 days after the hearing. Public hearing
Conditional use approval depends on meeting the ordinance’s criteria, including compatibility with nearby uses, adequate infrastructure and water, wastewater and stormwater provisions, and avoiding unreasonable impacts from noise, dust, or traffic. The conditional use is appropriate
A conditional use permit may be revoked for failure to comply with its conditions, and it expires if the relevant business activity ceases for more than 12 months. ceases operation for more than 12 months
A zoning permit becomes void if construction does not begin within six months of issuance; the project must be substantially completed within 24 months after construction begins. Construction must commence within 6 months
Building height is limited by the applicable district’s standards; Appendix A lists 35-foot maximums for several districts. A planned building over 35 feet must be referred to the Town Board to assess fire protection availability before a zoning permit issues. exceeding a height of thirty-five (35) feet
The Town Board sets fees for zoning permits, creating a permit cost whose amount is not specified in the ordinance. set fees for permits
Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions1
The Industrial District allows all main or principal uses and buildings to be considered for a conditional use permit, providing a possible approval route for a data center. Detailed plans must be reviewed by the Zoning Administrator and Plan Commission and approved by the Town Board.
Sources
pending · Town of GrantThe material identifies April 15, 2026 Plan Commission meeting minutes concerning a data center ordinance discussion, but it does not provide the discussion, decisions, obligations, affected parties, or implementation status.Town of Grant Plan Commission Meeting Minutes — April 15, 2026 (Data Center Ordinance Discussion)
Sources
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