Van Buren City Council puts in place data center regulations
The Van Buren City Council unanimously approved new zoning regulations for future data centers. The ordinance requires detailed site and landscaping plans, third-party noise studies, noise mitigation measures, utility-impact information and a 1,000-foot setback from residentially zoned areas.
The Van Buren City Council unanimously approved an ordinance establishing stricter planning and application requirements for any future data center development. Planning Director Wally Bailey said no company has expressed interest in building in the city, but officials wanted regulations in place before a proposal emerges.
The rules require developers to submit site, landscaping and other plans for review, obtain a third-party noise study, mitigate noise disturbances and maintain a 1,000-foot setback from zoning districts allowing residential uses. Developers must also disclose potential utility needs, including possible gas connections for power-generation turbines. Councilman Kody Morris questioned whether data centers should require conditional-use permits, while Bailey said the required review process would provide similar oversight. Bailey also said the state Legislature could eventually establish statewide standards for data center regulation.