Solon Board Votes to Extend Data Center Moratorium
SOLON TOWNSHIP — The Solon Township Board has voted to extend its moratorium on data centers for another six months as the township prepares to update its master plan, a process expected to continue well into 2027.
The board’s action follows a unanimous recommendation from the Solon Township Planning Commission, which voted Aug. 26 to support extending the pause on data center development. The extension continues the moratorium until Feb. 7, 2027, preventing data center proposals from moving forward while the township studies the issue further and considers long-term land use planning.
The extension also comes as Solon Township begins work with McKenna, a planning firm out of Kalamazoo, hired to update the township’s master plan. McKenna representatives said the update is expected to take several months and will likely extend into summer 2027.
The board also voted unanimously in July to hire Michael Homier, of Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith PC, as special counsel. His role is to provide additional legal guidance as the township navigates zoning, ordinance and development questions related to data centers.
Special counsel Michael Homier confirmed the township can legally extend the moratorium beyond one year if there are mitigating circumstances, such as the ongoing master plan update.
No data center application has been submitted to Solon Township. However, the proposed ordinance and ongoing master plan update are expected to play a major role in determining what rules would apply if a developer seeks approval in the future.
The additional six months gives the township more time to consider public input, review potential zoning language and align any future ordinance with the broader direction of the township’s master plan.
For residents, the extension means the debate over data centers in Solon Township is not over, but any formal project will remain on hold while township leaders continue their review.
