Ogle County Reviews Possible Data Center Standards

OREGON — Ogle County officials said they are developing possible standards for future data centers even though no projects have been proposed and the county is not in talks with any developers. Data centers were added as a conditional use in Industrial I 1 zoning during a 2025 update to the county zoning ordinance, meaning any proposal would require public notice, public hearings before the Zoning Board of Appeals and approval by the Ogle County Board. County officials said they are researching regulations and consulting with local governments, state lawmakers and experts before drafting special use conditions. Proposed standards include limits on daytime and nighttime noise, independent sound testing before occupancy, ongoing monitoring, detailed water use studies, annual reporting, water use limits with penalties for violations, energy efficiency standards and encouragement of on site renewable energy, battery storage or nuclear generated power. Officials also noted that municipal zoning, including in Rochelle and Rockford, takes precedence over county zoning.