Springfield officials consider data center definition and extension of development pause
Springfield officials are considering a formal definition for data centers because the city’s land development code currently does not define them. The city has paused acceptance and review of new data center proposals through Nov. 17 and is considering extending the delay for another 120 days while it develops possible zoning regulations.
Springfield’s planning and zoning meeting is examining how the city should define a data center, an issue made urgent by the absence of a definition in the land development code. City officials say establishing a definition would guide future decisions but would not, by itself, determine where data centers could be built or establish development standards.
The Springfield City Council enacted an ordinance on June 29 delaying the acceptance, evaluation and establishment of data centers through Nov. 17. Officials are also considering another 120-day delay while the city conducts community outreach and develops zoning policy. City representatives said most participants support continuing the pause, during which no new data center applications would be considered.