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Regbase

The Data Center Divide

Village of Greenville

This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.

Pro-Data Center Policies

Greenville village enacted a zoning pause for main-use data centers over 10,000 square feet, lasting up to 12 months or until rules take effect.

Rating from Wisconsin statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for Village of Greenville.

current law · Village of Greenville
Creates a temporary moratorium on zoning certificates for data centers used as a principal and primary use when more than 10,000 square feet is contained in one building or a collection of buildings, giving the Village time to assess impacts and develop regulations to protect residents, businesses, visitors, and the general welfare.Village of Greenville Ordinance 15-26 — Temporary Moratorium on Data Centers (2026)

What this means

If enacted, this would pause zoning approvals for data centers over 10,000 square feet when they are the main use, for up to 12 months or until new rules take effect (moratorium terms). That would significantly delay new projects and expansions, although facilities serving another main use are exempt (exception).

Timing

Ends
twelve (12) months following the effective date of the ordinance or when an ordinance related to data centers is adopted and takes effect, whichever is earlier

The moratorium may be amended before expiration for an additional period of up to 6 months pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 66.1002(3)(b)2.

People behind it

  • Approved the resolution expressing intent to enact the moratorium and enacted Ordinance 15-26.

  • Directed to draft a comprehensive ordinance regulating data centers during the moratorium.

Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements2

  • For 12 months after the ordinance takes effect—or until a data-center ordinance is adopted, whichever occurs first—the Village may not issue zoning certificates for data centers used as a principal and primary use when the facility exceeds 10,000 square feet in a single building or collection of buildings. The moratorium may be extended by up to six additional months. It does not apply to a data center or telecommunications center serving another principal use allowed on the zoning lot. Temporary moratorium on zoning certificates

  • Existing telecommunications centers larger than 10,000 square feet are treated as nonconforming uses during the moratorium. Structural repairs or alterations are allowed only if they do not exceed 50% of the building’s or structure’s total assessed value. Nonconformities and the 50% limit

Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions3

  • Data centers with floor area of 10,000 square feet or less are outside the moratorium, because it applies only to facilities larger than 10,000 square feet in a single building or collection of buildings.

  • A data center or telecommunications center that serves another principal use allowed on the zoning lot is exempt from the moratorium, allowing Greenville to accept, process, and, if appropriate, approve its zoning certificate.

  • Existing telecommunications centers larger than 10,000 square feet may continue as nonconforming uses and may undergo structural repairs or alterations, provided the work does not exceed 50% of the building or structure’s total assessed value.

Sources

failed · Village of Greenville
Amends Chapter 320 of the Zoning Ordinance to establish requirements for data centers, defined as facilities used primarily to store, manage, process, or transmit digital data and house related equipment.Village of Greenville Ordinance 10-26 (2026)

What this means

The measure would add meaningful site and operating requirements: a 200-foot setback from residentially zoned property, plus a landscape buffer and 70-decibel noise limit. These could raise costs and limit suitable sites, although the commission may approve equivalent noise controls, so the overall effect is a meaningful barrier rather than a ban.

People behind it

  • Municipal entity that sought to codify rules and regulations for data centers and issued the ordinance.

  • Held the public hearing on the proposed amendments and recommended them to the Village Board.

  • Adopted the ordinance amending Chapter 320 of the Zoning Ordinance.

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  • Village President who signed the ordinance for the Village of Greenville.

  • Village Clerk who attested to the ordinance.

Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements3

  • Data center buildings must be set back at least 200 feet from any residentially zoned property line.

  • A landscape buffer is required between data centers and adjoining residentially zoned properties or public roadways; the buffer must be at least 50 feet wide and provide at least 75% opacity to screen buildings. Earthen berms may be used with trees and plantings.

  • Data centers may not emit noise exceeding 70 decibels at the exterior property line. The Plan Commission may approve alternative noise-mitigation measures only if the owner demonstrates equivalent or superior noise-abatement effectiveness.

Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions3

  • Creates a specific zoning classification for a data center as a type of industrial warehouse, defining facilities used for the storage, management, processing, and transmission of digital data: “Warehouse, Data Center”

  • Allows the Plan Commission to approve alternative noise-mitigation measures instead of applying only the stated requirements, provided the property owner demonstrates equivalent or superior noise-abatement effectiveness: “alternative noise mitigation measures”

  • Provides that the ordinance controls if it conflicts with another section of the Village Municipal Code, giving its data-center provisions priority over conflicting code requirements: “this ordinance shall prevail”

Sources

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