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.
St. Croix County
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Pro-Data Center Policies
St. Croix County has enacted a measure pausing applications and approvals for medium and large data centers for up to 12 months or until changed; small centers are permitted, and existing facilities may continue operating.
Rating from Wisconsin statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for St. Croix County.
Specific to St. Croix County only.
current law · County measure: Areas subject to St. Croix County zoning jurisdictionEstablishes data center definitions and pauses new medium- and large-scale data center development while St.St. Croix County Chapter 15 Zoning Amendment — Data Center Definitions and Moratorium (2026)
What this means
The measure would pause applications and approvals to build medium and large data centers for up to 12 months, or until the County changes or ends the moratorium (12-month moratorium). That is a major short-term barrier to new projects and expansions, though small data centers are listed as permitted and the text does not bar continued operation of existing facilities.
Timing
- Ends
- 12 months from the date this ordinance is published (its effective date), or earlier if the County Board adopts amendments, rescinds the moratorium, or both
The moratorium applies to applications and permits or approvals for medium- and large-scale data centers. No separate extension condition is stated.
People behind it
- St. Croix County Board of Supervisors
Adopts this Chapter and any amendments, including rezonings.
- Community Development Committee
Acts as the County Zoning Agency, conducts public hearings, and recommends approval, modification, or disapproval of amendments to the County Board.
- Land Use Administrator
Administers the zoning code, advises applicants, issues permits, maintains records, and enforces the Chapter.
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- County Planner
Authorized to initiate petitions for amendments to the zoning code.
- Community Development Director
Authorized to initiate petitions for amendments to the zoning code.
- County Clerk
Receives amendment petitions with the Department and provides required notices to affected town clerks.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1
A moratorium prohibits the County from accepting applications or granting permits or approvals for the placement or construction of medium- and large-scale data centers. A medium-scale data center is defined as one up to 3,000 square feet or up to 10 MW; a large-scale data center is larger than 3,000 square feet or has power demand greater than 10 MW. The moratorium lasts 12 months from publication of the ordinance or until the County Board adopts amendments or rescinds the moratorium, whichever occurs first.
Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions1
Small-scale data centers are permitted by right in every zoning district. This applies to private, onsite data centers housed within the company’s own building or server room that consume less than 500 kW. Medium- and large-scale data centers are excluded from this benefit because the ordinance imposes a moratorium on applications and approvals for them.
Sources
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