Boone County Commissioners Approve Moratorium On Data Centers.

The Boone County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved an ordinance Monday establishing a one-year moratorium on new data center development in unincorporated Boone County.

The moratorium, which takes effect June 16, 2026, temporarily pauses the filing, processing, review, and acceptance of applications related to new data center facilities in unincorporated areas of the county. The moratorium will remain in effect through June 15, 2027.

County officials said the action will provide time to evaluate the potential impacts of data center development and determine whether updates to the county’s planning and zoning regulations are needed.

“Boone County is experiencing significant growth and change,” said Boone County Commissioner President Tim Beyer. “This moratorium gives the county an opportunity to carefully study data center development, gather information, and ensure our policies align with the long-term goals and priorities of our residents.”

The Boone County Area Plan Commission (APC) unanimously recommended the moratorium following discussions about how emerging data center development may affect land use, infrastructure, utilities, agriculture, and the county’s rural character. The APC voted 6-0 on May 6, 2026, to recommend the moratorium and reaffirmed that recommendation by a 6-0 vote following a public hearing on June 3, 2026.

County officials emphasized that the moratorium is intended to allow time for thoughtful planning and policy development. During the moratorium period, Boone County will continue evaluating data center-related issues as part of ongoing efforts to update the county’s Comprehensive Plan and review its zoning regulations.

Boone County’s current Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 2009, and its Zoning Ordinance was adopted in 1998. County leaders noted that neither document specifically contemplated modern data center development or its potential impacts.

The ordinance applies only to new data center facilities in unincorporated Boone County and does not affect existing facilities or other types of development.