LaPorte County IN data center ordinance (2026)
LaPorte County, IN — Commissioners Unanimously Approve Data Center Ordinance Limiting Data Centers to Industrial Zones With BZA Approval, Setback, Noise and Fire-Training Standards (May 6, 2026)
LaPorte County, IN · LaPorte County, Indiana, Data Center Ordinance (approved by Board of Commissioners May 6, 2026)
- Status
- In effect
- Took effect
- May 6, 2026
- Applies to
- Data center developers in LaPorte County's zoning jurisdiction
- Enforced by
- LaPorte County Board of Zoning Appeals; Plan Commission; Board of Commissioners
LaPorte County, Indiana now allows data centers only in industrial zones and only with approval from the Board of Zoning Appeals. The ordinance also sets standards for setbacks, noise and training for local fire departments. Commissioners called it a 'living document' that may be amended.
Who is protected: Residents of unincorporated LaPorte County near potential data center sites
Legal detail
LaPorte County, IN Board of Commissioners — data center ordinance approved unanimously 2026-05-06: data centers limited to industrial zones (M1/M2 per discovery); special approval by Board of Zoning Appeals required; standards for setbacks, noise, and required local fire department training. Applies in unincorporated county zoning jurisdiction. Further amendments expected from county data center committee.
Key facts
| Jurisdiction | LaPorte County, IN |
|---|---|
| Level | County |
| Strength | Moderate |
| Enacted | May 6, 2026 |
| Citation | LaPorte County, Indiana, Data Center Ordinance (approved by Board of Commissioners May 6, 2026) |
| Private right of action | No, agency enforcement only |
| Penalties | Projects outside industrial zones or without BZA approval not permitted |
| Topics | data-center siting and energy · government use of AI |
| News report | LaPorte County commissioners approve data center regulations, with more expected — WVPE (2026-05-08) |
Related data-center siting and energy rules elsewhere
- Superior WI Data Center Moratorium (1-year) · In effect
- Dane County WI Hyperscale Data Center Moratorium · In effect
- Madison WI Data Center Moratorium (1-year) · In effect
- Manitowoc County WI Data Center Moratorium · In effect
- WA SB 5982 (Data Center / Clean Energy) · In effect
- Dayton OH data center moratorium (180-day, Apr 2026) · In effect
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