Bloomington releases proposed data center rules trying to protect neighborhoods
Bloomington officials released proposed regulations that would impose stricter zoning, setback, permitting, noise, and impact-study requirements on new data centers. The rules will be discussed at two public hearings before the City Council considers them ahead of the expiration of the city’s six-month data center moratorium.
Bloomington officials released a proposed regulatory framework for new data centers after months of community engagement and research into rules adopted elsewhere in Illinois. Hyperscale facilities of at least 10 acres and 10 megawatts would be limited to general manufacturing zones, face 1,000-foot setbacks from sensitive uses, and require City Council approval through a special-use permit.
The proposal also calls for independent studies of water demand, energy use, noise, vibration, environmental effects and infrastructure needs. It would establish noise limits and require developers to negotiate community benefits agreements, while smaller facilities would need development agreements. City Manager Jeff Jurgens said the measures were designed to address community concerns and provide long-term protections.
The Bloomington Planning Commission is scheduled to hold public hearings on Oct. 16 and Nov. 14, with the City Council expected to consider the commission’s recommendation on Nov. 23. That meeting comes shortly before the city’s six-month moratorium on data centers is set to expire.