Town Of Silver Cliff Data Center Moratorium Ordinance

Town Of Silver Cliff Data Center Moratorium Ordinance ORDINANCE FOR TOWN OF SILVER CLIFF ENACTING A MORATORIUM ON DATA CENTERS TO THE TOWN OF SILVER CLIFF BOARD: WHEREAS, a "Data Center" is one or more facilities housing computing, networking equipment systems, along with storage and management systems, that support the storage, processing, retrieval and distribution of digital data and various artificial intelligence and software applications; and WHEREAS, "Data Centers" typically feature high-performance servers, storage arrays, networking equipment, cooling systems, high output generator backup solutions for power; to ensure uninterrupted operation; and WHEREAS, The Town of Silver Cliff has requested a moratorium on the receipt of any current and all future applications relating to "Data Centers"; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 66.1002(1)(b); and 17, The Town of Silver Cliff may enact a moratorium that is not a "development moratorium" as that term is defined therein; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 60.61 (1) (a.) (b.) Wis. Stat. § 60.61 (2) (a.) (1,3,4,7,8,9) (d.) (e.) (f.) (g.) The Town of Silver Cliff has ongoing and future concerns about potential health and safety issues related to the construction and operation of "Data Centers", including; power grid concerns, high electrical consumption, electrically generated magnetic fields, impacts on air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, contamination of water resources above and below ground, excessive water use, fire hazards, constant excessive noise, light pollution; and WHEREAS, the Town of Silver Cliff has concerns the construction and operation of "Data Centers" will result in overburdening of public services and infrastructure within its borders and beyond, including its main electrical grid, public and private water wells, town roads, fire and emergency services; and WHEREAS, the Town of Silver Cliff has concerns about the secondary and future potential impacts in the construction and operation of "Data Centers", including impacts on property values, noise and visual disturbances, and impacts on the native flora and fauna, public health, safety and general welfare of residents, businesses, and visitors; and WHEREAS, the construction and operation of "Data Centers" is not consistent with existing Town of Silver Cliff tentative zoning plans; and the Town of Silver Cliff land use regulations do not contain proper language addressing the ongoing concerns with the construction, operation, locations and environment, socio-economic impacts of "Data Centers"; and WHEREAS, a moratorium would allow the Town of Silver Cliff to fully explore, analyze, and research the environmental, economic, health, and safety impacts of "Data Centers" and develop consistent zoning and regulatory standards to be applied to "Data Centers"; and WHEREAS, the Town of Silver Cliff Planning Commission has held public meetings and is in receipt of a Petition of support for the Moritoreum from local residents, and after careful consideration and review, recommends that Town Board of Silver Cliff enact and approve a moratorium; and THEREFORE, the Electors, Town Board and Planning Commission of the Town of Silver Cliff in Marinette County Wisconsin does ordain as follows: For the purpose of this "Data Center" is one or more facilities that house computing and networking equipment, along with storage and management systems, that support the storage, processing, retrieval and distribution of digital data and various artificial intelligence and software applications; and typically feature high-performance servers, storage arrays, networking equipment, cooling systems, high output generator backup solutions for power; to ensure uninterrupted operation; and NOW, THEREFORE to Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 60.61 (1) (a.) (b.) Wis. Stat. § 60.61 (2) (a.) (1,3,4,7,8,9) (d.) (e.) (f.) (g.) enacts the following moratorium: Notwithstanding any other provision in 66.1002(1)(b); and 17, there shall be a moratorium on the acceptance, consideration, or granting of any and all permits and approvals for the placement or construction of "Data Centers". The purpose of the moratorium is to allow the Town of Silver Cliff time to research the possible environmental, economic, public health, safety, and general welfare effects of "Data Centers" and establish consistent zoning and regulatory standards to be applied to any and all future "Data Centers" in the Town of Silver Cliff and to allow the Planning Commission to conduct hearings and make recommendations to the Town Board regarding amendments to this or other Town of Silver Cliff ordinances. The moratorium shall be in effect for a period of 12 months from the date this ordinance is published or until the Town of Silver Cliff Board adopts and approves amendments to this ordinance or rescinds this moratorium, or both. The moratorium enacted is not intended to be, and does not, constitute a "development moratorium" as that term is defined in Wis. Stat. § 66.1002(1)(b). BE IT ORDAINED that if applicable, the record of ordinances shall be updated to reflect this expressed change; and BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that this ordinance shall be effective upon publication. Dated this 12th day of May 2026. Respectfully submitted by the Town of Silver Cliff Planning Commission WNAXLP June 12 2026 LWIX0536236