New zoning regulations change data center developments in Canton

Canton City Council in Stark County, Ohio, recently voted to implement new zoning regulations regarding data center developments, a move that followed a contentious public meeting packed with residents expressing their opposition.

The council's decision involved passing an ordinance, with an eight-to-three vote, that amends Chapter 1131 to expand the definition of 'Data Center' and creates a new Chapter 1148 to outline specific development requirements. Council Member Bill Smuckler indicated that the regulations were necessary because data centers, which have been rapidly developing in the state and Canton, were previously lumped into general industrial and commercial properties without specific oversight.

Residents, including Samuel A. Smith, who lives near a proposed 161-acre data center site, voiced strong concerns about noise, light pollution, water usage, and electricity demands. Some attendees called for a moratorium on new data center construction. While acknowledging these concerns, Smuckler emphasized the need for factual evidence regarding environmental impacts and noted the economic benefits, such as jobs and revenue, associated with data centers. The new regulations will apply to incoming centers and are hoped to be followed by one already under construction on Trump Ave.