McPherson County

McPherson County, South Dakota. Status: Adopted Ordinance.

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McPherson County adopted Ordinance 2025-1 on July 1, 2025, effective August 5, 2025, which allows a data processing center only as a conditional use in the Agricultural Land District under Chapter 5.33. The ordinance requires a one-mile setback from occupied homes, churches, and schools, noise limits of 55 dBA by day and 45 dBA at night at those buildings, utility approval, and a decommissioning plan, but it sets no rules on water use, cooling, or generator testing.

Status
Adopted Ordinance
County
McPherson County
Rating
4 of 10 Core Protections addressed (Partial coverage), 1 at the best standard, 25 of 104 points
Where data centers are allowed
Conditional use in the Agricultural Land District (data processing center)
Ordinance
No. 2025-1
Last verified
November 12, 2026

Key Milestones

  • August 11, 2026: The county heard conditional use permit 26-CUP-04 and postponed a decision.
  • July 22, 2026: The county published notice of a hearing on conditional use permit 26-CUP-04 for the Leola Data Center.
  • February 24, 2026: A draft amendment to Chapter 5.33, Ordinance 26-1, was posted; the copy is unsigned and shows no adoption date.
  • August 5, 2025: Ordinance 2025-1 took effect.
  • July 1, 2025: The Board of County Commissioners held the second reading and adopted Ordinance 2025-1.

Sources

See every place listed in McPherson County

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Tell us what is out of date or incorrect, or send a new draft. A link to a supporting document, such as an ordinance or meeting minutes, helps us confirm the change. Corrections are reviewed within 30 days, and those tied to an upcoming hearing or vote are reviewed first.