Lake County Board Approves Moratorium on Data Centers in Unincorporated Lake County
The Lake County Board today approved an eight-month moratorium on data centers in unincorporated Lake County, providing the County additional time to evaluate this emerging land use and develop appropriate regulations for any future proposals. The moratorium applies only to unincorporated areas of Lake County.
The moratorium follows a unanimous recommendation from the Lake County Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) on August 18, and unanimous approval by the Lake County Planning, Building, Zoning and Environment (PBZ&E) Committee on September 2. Throughout the process, the County received more than 1,200 online public comments, and hundreds of residents and members of the public attended meetings in person to share their perspectives on data center development and the proposed moratorium.
Lake County currently does not specifically define or regulate data centers under its Unified Development Ordinance. The moratorium will allow the County to further study potential infrastructure, environmental and community impacts, and consider appropriate development standards and restrictions.
“Thank you to everyone who took the time to provide input on this important issue that is top of mind for many people in our communities,” said Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart. “This is a critical step in making sure Lake County is prepared to address data centers responsibly by taking the time to do the research, listen to our communities and develop regulations that reflect Lake County’s priorities.”
“Lake County residents made it clear that they want us to take a thoughtful and deliberate approach to data center development,” said Lake County PBZ&E Committee Chair Marah Altenberg. “We’re grateful that residents took the time to provide their comments, and now it’s our duty to leave no stone unturned by asking the right questions, examining the potential impacts and considering all of the factors that will help us make the best decisions for our communities.”
Lake County has not received any proposals to develop a data center in the unincorporated areas. The County’s moratorium is not a decision on any specific development project. Instead, it establishes a temporary pause while Lake County evaluates the appropriate regulatory framework for data centers in unincorporated Lake County.
The moratorium will remain in effect through May 2027. If the County proposes changes to its ordinances as a result of its work, the public will have opportunities to review the proposed changes and provide input before the County Board considers any action.
As part of this effort, the County intends to develop a framework that can serve as a resource for surrounding communities as they consider whether and how to address data center development within their own jurisdictions.
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