BROOKVILLE — Franklin County commissioners approved a two-month moratorium on new data center permits, giving planners time to update zoning rules that officials say are outdated.
The “strategic” moratorium runs from Dec. 24, 2025, through noon Feb. 24, 2026, blocking developers from applying for permits during that period. The action came at the request of the Area Planning Commission, which says the county’s zoning code does not specifically address modern data centers.
APC Director Kaitlin Sterwerf-Banks told commissioners the zoning code, written between 2008 and 2010 and adopted in 2011, predates much of today’s technology boom. The code currently groups “data processing” with engineering firms and does not define data centers.
Last month, the APC initially sought an 18-month moratorium to research impacts and draft regulations. That request was shortened after concerns from county economic development leaders about losing potential investment.
Economic Development Commission President John Palmer argued that existing zoning already regulates commercial buildings and described data centers as “just buildings with computers and people.” He said modern facilities reuse water or rely on air conditioning systems and use natural gas for power.
Palmer urged county leaders to keep the pause brief, warning that prolonged delays could cost the county a major tax base. He said a data center could have an economic impact comparable to the Greensburg Honda plant, though he acknowledged no company has purchased land and construction would still be years away.
APC members pressed Palmer for more details about potential developers, but he said no formal plans or permit filings are imminent.
Sterwerf-Banks said the APC will resume work on zoning revisions, with data centers expected on the agenda at its Jan. 14 meeting.
In other business, commissioners updated neighbor-notification rules for zoning hearings and adopted a revised multi-hazard mitigation plan required for federal grant eligibility.
The commissioners’ next meeting is scheduled for Dec. 30.
