Coles County Board Rejects Data Center Zoning Referendum

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Coles County Board Rejects Data Center Zoning Referendum

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CHARLESTON, Ill. – A proposal to introduce a zoning ordinance that would limit the development of data centers in unincorporated parts of Coles County was rejected by the Coles County Board on August 12, 2026. The board voted 7-4 against pursuing a referendum on the matter.

The discussion reflects a broader concern across Illinois and the nation regarding the rapid increase in data center development. These facilities, essential for cloud computing and artificial intelligence, consume significant amounts of electricity and water, and can impact local infrastructure, noise levels, and property values.

Coles County Board member David Johnson, who often aligns with Chairman Darrell Cox on a philosophy of less government, indicated his agreement with the need for such an ordinance. Currently, Coles County does not have specific zoning regulations for data centers outside of the jurisdictions of its municipalities. This lack of specific regulation means that data center construction and operation could proceed without tailored oversight, potentially leading to increased noise pollution, higher energy consumption, and strain on local resources.

Other counties are also grappling with similar issues. In June 2026, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker paused the state’s data center tax incentive program to evaluate its impact on the power grid and utility costs for residents. McDonough County’s Law & Legal Committee, for example, voted 6-1 in early August 2026 to recommend a temporary moratorium on data centers until August 2028, allowing time for state regulations to be established. This move was driven by concerns that the state government has yet to pass regulations to safeguard local communities from potential hardships related to data center development.

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