Linn County, Iowa, has adopted one of the nation's strictest data center zoning ordinances, requiring comprehensive water studies and use agreements before construction. The new rules establish a data center-specific district in unincorporated areas, mandating 1,000-foot setbacks from residential zones and contributions to community funds. The ordinance comes as Google plans a six-building campus near Palo's nuclear plant.

Residents remain deeply concerned about water consumption, electricity rates, and light pollution despite the new protections. At a packed February meeting, locals questioned whether the county can enforce the rules or prevent wells from running dry. Some called for an outright moratorium, citing fears that data centers could deplete the Cedar River and shared aquifers during drought conditions.

The ordinance represents a significant shift from treating data centers as standard commercial properties. County officials consulted with Virginia communities that have seen massive data center development, recognizing these facilities create "generational infrastructure impacts" that existing zoning frameworks cannot address. While the rules provide new oversight tools, the county lacks authority over state-regulated water permits and utility rates.