Temporary Data Center Moratorium Proposal Moves Forward In Lake County

LAKE COUNTY, IL — As demand for data center development continues to rise nationwide, the Lake County Board on Tuesday approved a resolution to begin the public hearing process on a proposed temporary moratorium on data centers in unincorporated Lake County, officials said.

The proposal applies only to unincorporated areas of Lake County, according to a news release.

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Currently, the county code does not specifically define or regulate data centers, according to the news release. Officials said the proposed moratorium is intended to give the county time to study the rapidly expanding land use, review best practices, and evaluate potential impacts on infrastructure, water use, energy demand and the environment.

Last week, the planning, building, zoning and environment committee also approved a temporary administrative deferral allowing the Lake County Planning, Building and Development Department to pause review of data center applications for up to 120 days while the moratorium process moves forward.

“With any emerging land use issue, it is important that Lake County takes the time needed to research, study and fully understand the potential impacts before making decisions on appropriate regulations,” said Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart. “A temporary moratorium will provide time to evaluate this matter and engage the public through a formal and transparent process.”

The public hearing on the proposed moratorium will be scheduled for later this summer, with the county following statutory notice requirements to inform residents.

“Data centers raise important questions related to water and energy use, infrastructure demand and long-term planning,” said PBZ&E Committee Chair Marah Altenberg. “It is critical that the County takes the time to carefully evaluate these considerations prior to drafting standards and restrictions around this evolving land use.”

The proposal applies only to unincorporated areas of Lake County.