Sedgwick County to consider another extension for data center moratorium

Sedgwick County could extend its data center moratorium another three months as it continues to consider regulations for the centers.

The moratorium passed by commissioners in January was extended earlier this year and set to expire June 11. Commissioners will consider another extension on Wednesday.

An extension “is believed to be advantageous and advisable to give staff and County officials additional time” a county agenda report reads.

Planning staff and a third party, the Berkley Group, have been researching and creating options for potential data center regulations since the moratorium was passed, according to the agenda report.

The county said it needs to extend the moratorium another three months to also comply with public notice requirements. A 20-day notice is required before the Metropolitan Planning Area Committee meeting if zoning changes are being considered.

Zoning changes are still being considered by the planning department’s advanced plans committee, before being forward to the MAPC.

Their next scheduled meetings are May 14 and May 28.

“This is normally not an issue; however, the notice period must also take into consideration the potential for multiple additional MAPC Advance Plans Committee meetings, and the potential even for further Board meetings and input,” the county agenda reads. “A delay or expansion of any of the referenced events could impact when the MAPC meeting is held, and thus when the initial notifications need to go out.”

The advanced plans committee has already held some special meetings in April to discuss data center regulations.

At the April 23 meeting, the Berkley Group suggested several options for the committee to consider: a prohibition on data centers, allowing them in certain overlay districts, going through a conditional-use process, using a by-right process that doesn’t require public meetings, or doing nothing.

Sedgwick County commissioners suggested earlier this year that the committee should also consider allowing data centers only in areas already zoned for industrial use.

Potential data center sites in western parts of the county occupy land zoned for agricultural use.

The county has also hosted town halls and informational meetings during the moratorium.

This story was originally published May 1, 2026 at 11:01 AM.