Shelby County, Indiana, Approves Restrictive Data Center Zoning Ordinance
Shelby County Commissioners in Indiana unanimously approved new, restrictive zoning regulations for data centers in unincorporated areas. These regulations, developed through extensive public input, create a data center overlay district within the county's Unified Development Ordinance. Officials and residents believe these rules will effectively deter future data center development in the county.
Shelby County Commissioners in Indiana have unanimously approved Ordinance 2026-17, establishing new, restrictive regulations for data center development within the county's unincorporated areas. The ordinance creates a data center overlay district as part of the Unified Development Ordinance, a process shaped by months of public input and multiple rounds of review by the ordinance review committee and Plan Commission.
County Plan Director Desiree Calderella noted the ordinance's restrictive nature, suggesting it would be challenging for data centers to meet the requirements. Commissioner David Lawson emphasized the county's effort to align with residents' wishes, while Commissioner Jason Abel highlighted the county's proactive approach, including an earlier moratorium to study the issue and gather public feedback.
Active residents, including Lisa Wojciechowski-Shaler of the Northwest Shelby County Concerned Citizens Coalition, supported the ordinance, viewing it as the best possible outcome. Connie Lindsay, another vocal opponent of data center development, expressed confidence that the new rules would deter data center companies from the county. The regulations do not apply to a proposed data center project within the city of Shelbyville.