(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission has placed a temporary moratorium on certain large-scale development projects.
During Monday’s meeting, commissioners unanimously adopted a resolution placing an 18-month pause on approvals of projects involving data centers, battery energy storage systems, solar energy, chip manufacturing facilities, and cryptocurrency operations.

The moratorium will remain in effect until regulations are adopted or 18 months pass — whichever comes first. 

Commisioners say such developments may potentially have an adverse effect on Brown County, and its necessary for the county Planning Commission to consider making recommendations concerning the regulation of these types of projects.

Separately, commissioners voted 2-1 to adopt new construction standards. Commissioner Bill Pollock cast the lone dissenting vote. Under the new policy, contractors and construction professionals must follow the State of Kansas building codes adopted in October 2021. The updated standards do not apply to homeowners performing work on their own property. Additionally, stricter city building codes will continue to take precedence over county regulations.