Linn County Board of Supervisors meetings are now scheduled for the review of the proposed data center ordinance for unincorporated Linn County. The Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing and three public readings on the proposed ordinance. The Board of Supervisors has the final decision on a data center ordinance for unincorporated Linn County.
At a meeting on January 20, 2026, the Linn County Planning & Zoning Commission voted to accept the proposed ordinance for data centers in unincorporated Linn County and recommended the updated ordinance for approval by the Board of Supervisors.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS: PUBLIC HEARING AND FIRST CONSIDERATION
When: February 4, 2026
Time: 6 p.m.
Where: Palo Community Center | 2800 Hollenbeck Road, Palo
Members of the public can attend in person or virtually
Join the meeting from your computer, tablet, or smartphone.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS: SECOND CONSIDERATION
When: February 9, 2026
Time: 10 a.m.
Where: Linn County Jean Oxley Public Service Center | 935 2nd St. SW, Cedar Rapids
Members of the public can attend in person or virtually
Watch the meeting from your computer, tablet, or smartphone.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS: THIRD CONSIDERATION
When: February 11, 2026
Time: 10 a.m.
Where: Linn County Jean Oxley Public Service Center | 935 2nd St. SW, Cedar Rapids
Members of the public can attend in person or virtually
Watch the meeting from your computer, tablet, or smartphone.
All Board of Supervisors meetings will have two opportunities for public comment: the first opportunity is at the beginning of the meeting, and the second opportunity is at the end of the meeting. Comments will be time limited. Public comments can be submitted in advance by email and will be summarized publicly at the meeting by Linn County staff. Public comment is not available for virtual attendees during the meetings.
Sign up to be notified of future Board of Supervisors meetings and agendas once they are scheduled by visiting the Agenda & Minutes page on the Linn County website.
About the Proposed Data Center Ordinance
Linn County Planning & Development is proposing changes to the Unified Development Code to set clear rules for data center projects in unincorporated Linn County. The proposed ordinance creates new zoning rules for both small and large data centers. These rules cover things like building setbacks, noise limits, traffic and road impacts, emergency planning, and site plan review.
For large data center projects, the proposal adds extra requirements to address long-term impacts on roads, utilities, and natural resources – especially water use. Large projects would need to complete the following:
Complete a water study during the planning process to show there is enough water for the project and to explain how it could affect current water users, groundwater, and surface water. The study will describe where the water will come from, how much water is expected to be used, how the facility will be cooled, how water use will be made efficient, how reliable the system is, and what plans are in place if water supplies are interrupted.Sign a Water Use Agreement with Linn County explaining how the County and the data center will work together on water use. It includes tracking and reporting water use, sharing information, making sure rules are followed, and steps to take during droughts, emergencies, or other water shortages. The agreement allows for increased coordination between water use permitting agencies.Sign an Economic Development Agreement explaining how the County and the developer will work together, what incentives may be offered, and how the project will give back to the community. The agreement must include a community fund to support things like infrastructure, services, environmental protection, and workforce development, and may include a plan to protect nearby property values.
Find more information on data centers in unincorporated Linn County.