Kokomo considers zoning change allowing data centers on industrial sites
Kokomo officials are considering a zoning change to allow data centers on industrial land, with the Plan Commission having voted to support an amendment. The Common Council will introduce the ordinance and expects to vote in September. The amendment requires data centers to be a minimum distance from residential areas, though stricter noise or utility regulations are not being added.
Kokomo, Indiana, is moving forward with a zoning change that would designate data centers as an allowed use on industrial properties. The Kokomo Plan Commission approved an amendment to this effect with a five-to-one vote on August 17. The proposed ordinance would also permit data centers within portions of the U.S. 31 overlay district on the city's east side.
The amendment includes setbacks requiring data centers to be at least 200 feet from residential districts and 300 feet from any home. Unlike a similar measure in Indianapolis, Kokomo's proposal does not include additional noise or utility regulations for data centers. Mayor Tyler Moore emphasized that the commission would still review individual site plans, and any economic development agreements would require Common Council approval.
Residents previously raised concerns about data centers in March when the city annexed hundreds of acres of Howard County farmland for industrial use. While there was no indication of a data center at that time, developers have since expressed interest in the county. The Kokomo Common Council is scheduled to introduce the ordinance on Monday at 6 p.m. at Kokomo City Hall, with a vote expected in September.