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.
Monroe County
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Pro-Data Center Policies
Monroe County has enacted a measure pausing zoning applications and permits for medium and large data centers for up to 18 months in its zoned towns. It excludes small internal-use facilities and does not add operating rules for existing centers.
Rating from Wisconsin statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for Monroe County.
Specific to Monroe County only.
current law · County measure: Unincorporated areas in Monroe County's zoned towns; excludes cities, villages, and unzoned townshipsWould temporarily prohibit Monroe County from accepting applications for or issuing zoning permits for medium and large data centers for up to 18 months.Monroe County Resolution 07-26-04 (2026)
What this means
The measure would pause zoning applications and permits for medium and large data centers for up to 18 months, making new projects and zoning-dependent expansions much harder during that period (18-month moratorium). It excludes small internal-use facilities and applies only in the county’s zoned towns, so its reach is limited; it does not impose new operating rules on existing centers (applies only in Monroe County’s zoned towns).
Timing
- Ends
- up to eighteen months from the date of this Resolution
The moratorium may be extended by separate action of the Monroe County Board of Supervisors if deemed necessary.
People behind it
- Monroe County Zoning & Sanitation Committee
Offered the resolution and is responsible for leading the development of zoning standards during the moratorium.
- Anna Quade
Drafted the resolution.
- Lisa Aldinger Hamblin
Approved the resolution as to form in her capacity as Corporation Counsel.
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- Monroe County Board of Supervisors
Enacted and approved the 18-month moratorium.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements5
Imposes a moratorium on accepting applications for and granting zoning-related permits for placing or constructing medium-scale and large-scale data centers, as well as related land uses.
The moratorium applies for up to 18 months from the resolution date, with the county reserving the right to extend it through separate action.
Medium-scale data centers are defined as facilities up to 3,000 square feet with power demand of 10 megawatts or less; large-scale facilities exceed 3,000 square feet and require more than 10 megawatts of power.
Small-scale data centers are excluded from the moratorium only if they consume less than 500 kilowatts, are owned and operated by one organization for its own use, operate within that organization’s building or server room, and do not involve bitcoin or cryptocurrency mining.
The moratorium applies to all battery storage facilities, defined as sites housing interconnected batteries designed to store electrical energy for later use.
Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions1
Small-scale data centers are excluded from the moratorium and may continue seeking zoning-related permits. To qualify, a center must be owned and operated by a single organization for its own use, consume less than 500 kW, and not involve bitcoin or cryptocurrency mining.
Sources
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