Planning & Zoning Commission continues discussion on data center-related ordinance proposals
Fort Madison’s Planning and Zoning Commission continued reviewing proposed ordinances that would regulate high-infrastructure-impact developments such as data centers and expand the city’s zoning authority beyond its limits. The proposals follow public concerns about a planned data center at Burlington Hill, which was put on hold after Lee County adopted a one-year construction moratorium.
Fort Madison’s Planning and Zoning Commission continued discussing a proposed High Infrastructure Impact Development ordinance and ordinances that would expand the city’s zoning authority into unincorporated areas of Lee County. The measures are intended to establish technical review requirements for large developments with substantial impacts on electricity, water, wastewater, roads, emergency services, noise and other infrastructure.
The proposals follow public concern over a possible data center at 2201 S. Business 61, also known as Burlington Hill, just outside Fort Madison’s corporate limits. The project was placed on hold after the Lee County Board of Supervisors approved a one-year moratorium on data center construction and Lee County Attorney Ross Braden issued a cease-and-desist letter while the county works on its own ordinance.
No formal votes were taken at the commission meeting. Planning and Zoning Director Doug Krogmeier said the proposed rules would create predictable, objective review standards rather than prohibit large developments, while City Manager Laura Liegois said the city would seek additional legal and engineering reviews before the commission decides whether to recommend the HIID ordinance to the Fort Madison City Council.