Iron County Commission ends data center and solar moratorium, adopts Strategic Development Zone overlay
Oct. 26 votes reopen applications, with the largest projects routed through a new overlay.
PAROWAN - The Iron County Commission on Oct. 26 adopted a Strategic Development Zone overlay for large data center and solar projects and lifted its temporary moratorium on both, according to the county's meeting recording.
After a public hearing, commissioners approved Ordinance 2026-23 on a voice vote (recording, 2:29:51). It replaces the data-center zoning chapter with the overlay and amends solar rules. A commissioner moved approval; another seconded after correcting "economic" to "development" zone. The chair called for those in favor; the recording shows no roll call and no audible dissent.
Commissioners then adopted Ordinance 2026-24 on a voice vote, repealing Ordinance 2026-13's temporary moratorium on data centers and solar plants (recording, 3:13:41). A motion and second again drew a call for those in favor, with no roll call or audible dissent.
Brett Hamilton said ending the moratorium now lets applications be filed; otherwise its 180 days end Nov. 22. He said the solar and geothermal threshold rose from 50 to 100 megawatts since Oct. 12, a 150-acre campus category was dropped, and the solar setback fell from a half mile to 500 feet (recording, 1:02:47).
Source: Iron County Commission meeting recording, Oct. 26, 2026; Utah Public Notice Website agenda.