Planning & Zoning Commission to continue researching data center-related ordinances
The Fort Madison City Council has directed its Planning & Zoning Commission to continue developing new ordinances to regulate future high-impact industrial projects, including data centers, and to explore expanding the city's zoning authority beyond its corporate limits. This initiative follows public concern and a county-level moratorium that halted a proposed data center project just outside the city.
The Fort Madison City Council has unanimously instructed its Planning & Zoning Commission to proceed with drafting new regulations to oversee future high-infrastructure-impact developments, such as data centers. These proposed ordinances aim to enhance the city's ability to regulate projects requiring significant investments in infrastructure and substantial consumption of electricity, water, and other public services.
Planning & Zoning Director Doug Krogmeier highlighted that while data centers are a clear example due to their demands, the proposed "High Infrastructure Impact Development" (HIID) ordinance is designed to regulate infrastructure impact rather than specific industries. The ordinance would establish a multi-level review process and require prospective industrial facilities to provide detailed information on their electrical and water usage, ensuring that new developments do not unexpectedly burden existing residents or public services. Furthermore, the HIID ordinance would mandate annual compliance reporting from owners on actual infrastructure usage.
The city is also exploring the expansion of its zoning jurisdiction up to two miles beyond its corporate limits into unincorporated parts of Lee County, a move permitted by Iowa law. This consideration stems from a previously proposed data center project at 2201 S. Business 61, which began construction outside the city's jurisdiction. That project was halted after the Lee County Board of Supervisors enacted a one-year moratorium on data center construction in June and the Lee County Attorney issued a cease-and-desist letter in July.
Planning & Zoning Commission Chair Barb Asay emphasized the need for clear guidance from the council, noting the commission's volunteer status and desire to avoid unintended negative consequences for businesses or county residents. The commission is expected to continue its review of both the HIID ordinance and the expanded zoning authority proposals following the council's approval.