Sioux County IA 1-year data center & battery storage moratorium

Sioux County, IA Board of Supervisors: vote June 16, 2026 adopting one-year moratorium on data centers and industrial battery energy storage systems (BESS) in unincorporated Sioux County. Vote tally not confirmed from accessible sources. Moratorium term: June 16, 2026 through approximately June 16, 2027. Applies only to unincorporated areas; incorporated cities retain independent zoning authority. Background: a data center developer had confirmed a buyer before the moratorium passed; KTIV (June 30) reported developer noted moratorium was 'not ideal' for their project. County zoning director Shane Walter framing: give county time to draft ordinance. Supervisor Craig Hoftyzer: study the issue and develop ordinances similar to wind/solar rules already in place. County is actively working toward permanent rules: as of September 2026, public hearings on permanent regulations scheduled October 13 and October 27, 2026. Sioux County is in NW Iowa (county seat Orange City; population ~35,000); part of the Siouxland region. [2026-10-01] N'West Iowa REVIEW (Sept 23, 2026): P&Z reviewed draft Sept 10 and recommended approval; supervisors to begin voting Sept 29 with three readings (county attorney Tom Kunstle concurred against waiving readings); ~10-page ordinance to be posted on county website; per Walter, 'The moratorium is in place until you formally adopt the amendment' — adoption lifts the moratorium. Sioux County Radio (Sept. 30, 2026): first reading of the amendment to County Ordinance No. 1 passed 4-1 on Sept. 29 (Altena opposed); proposed rules cap data centers at 25 MW per site, require independent third-party power, water and noise studies, paved access, developer-funded first-responder training/equipment and a community betterment agreement with upfront and annual payments; enforcement via certificate-of-occupancy revocation and injunction. Second reading Oct. 13, final reading Oct. 27; effective on publication; moratorium remains until the new regulations take effect. The Oct. 13 / Oct. 27 dates previously described as 'public hearings' are the second and third readings.