The Starke County Plan Commission took a step toward a possib le countywide prohibition on commercial data centers during its July 8th meeting, directing staff to begin preparing information and a preliminary draft ordinance for discussion.
Resolution 2026 PC-15, which addresses data processing, high-density computing facilities, and digital asset mining, was presented to the commission during Wednesday’s meeting. Commissioners were told that staff needed direction on whether to spend the coming months developing regulations for data centers, or focusing efforts on preparing a possible prohibition.
Several residents spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting, urging the commission to prohibit commercial data centers in Starke County. Speakers expressed concerns about preserving the county’s rural character, protecting agricultural land and water resources, and limiting industrial development.
Although unable to attend the meeting, Starke County Surveyor and Plan Commission member Gwen Rentz submitted a letter that was read into the record. In the letter, Rentz recommended prohibiting commercial data centers throughout the unincorporated areas of Starke County rather than regulating where they may be permitted. She wrote that she believes a prohibition would better align with the county’s comprehensive plan.
The commission’s attorney told members that Cass and Marshall counties have recently adopted bans on commercial data centers, while other counties have instead developed restrictive ordinances. He said that if Starke County chooses to pursue a prohibition, it should build findings demonstrating how the action is supported by the county’s comprehensive plan and other county records.
Commission members discussed reviewing the county’s 2019 comprehensive plan, along with findings adopted by other counties, before making a recommendation to the Starke County Commissioners.
The commission voted to hold a 30-minute workshop during its next public meeting, during which members will be provided with the county’s comprehensive plan and a prepared preliminary draft showing what a possible prohibition could look like, for discussion. Members also stated that no decision has been made and that the purpose of the workshop is to gather information and determine whether sufficient legal and factual support exists for a future ordinance.
More details on the workshop will be made available as they are shared with the public.
