Mandan planning and zoning commissioner resigns, latest data center ordinance moves forward
Mandan city leaders approved a new data center ordinance imposing restrictions like setback requirements and noise limits, following a lengthy public meeting with community input. The approval came after a planning and zoning commissioner resigned, citing family commitments.
City leaders in Mandan, North Dakota, have moved forward with a new ordinance designed to regulate future data center projects within the city. The Mandan planning and zoning committee approved the latest draft of the data center ordinance during a three-hour meeting that saw dozens of neighbors in attendance.
The approved ordinance includes several key changes, such as a 500-foot setback requirement, mandating data centers be at least a half-mile from any homes, parks, or schools. It also sets noise limits, requiring centers to remain below 60 decibels during the daytime and 55 decibels at night. During the meeting, one resident voiced privacy concerns about allowing foreign-owned companies like Stark Power to operate in the city, citing potential access to personal data.
Prior to the meeting, Will Gardner, a member of the planning and zoning committee, resigned from his position. Gardner told KX News that his commitment to the board was taking too much time away from his family.