Ridgeland sets new data center limits to protect residents, infrastructure and city services
Ridgeland officials have approved new amendments to the city's zoning ordinance, imposing stricter limits and requirements for future data center developments. These changes grant the city power to request studies and set standards to protect residents, infrastructure, and city services from potential negative impacts. The action follows Amazon's expansion in the area, with the company pledging to be water positive and fund its electrical infrastructure.
Ridgeland, Mississippi – City officials have approved significant amendments to the city's zoning ordinance to regulate future data center development. During their regular meeting on April 7, the Board of Aldermen unanimously voted to empower the city to request various studies from prospective data center builders and establish new standards for such projects. Public Works Director Alan Hart emphasized that these measures are crucial to prevent negative impacts on residents and infrastructure as more tech companies look to follow the successful expansion of Amazon Web Services (AWS) in the area.
The amended ordinance now stipulates that no principal data center building or related facility can be located within 500 feet of any existing residential dwelling, and it details requirements for proper buffers. Furthermore, prospective developers must demonstrate that adequate public and private infrastructure, including electric power, telecommunications, water, wastewater, stormwater, and fire protection, is available to serve their proposed developments. The Mayor and Board of Aldermen retain sole authority to determine the adequacy of these services and may demand additional improvements or mitigation measures to ensure compatibility with surrounding properties and public welfare.
These regulatory changes coincide with Amazon's announcement of an additional $11 billion investment in Madison County, which will expand its footprint in Ridgeland. Roger Wehner, Vice President of AWS Economic Development, stated that Amazon's expansions in Ridgeland, Canton, and a new facility in Clinton, Mississippi, would include a "water positive pledge." This initiative aims to return more water to local systems than is consumed by their facilities. Wehner also highlighted that Mississippi legislation ensures Amazon's electrical power needs do not impact other rate-paying customers, with the company funding its associated infrastructure costs.