P&Z Commission sends final data center recommendations on to city council
Marshalltown's Planning and Zoning Commission voted to recommend a data center overlay district and related zoning regulations to the City Council. The commission unanimously rejected extending the city's existing data center moratorium, while some residents and landowners urged additional study and public input.
The Marshalltown Planning and Zoning Commission voted 5-0 to forward recommendations on data center regulations to the City Council, including creation of an overlay district where permits could be granted administratively. The proposed district would cover land near 18th Avenue, Iowa Avenue and the Edgewood Industrial Park, contingent on adoption of a broader data center zoning ordinance.
Landowners associated with Diamond Roots LLC and residents Amber Lawthers and Roberto Gonzalez raised concerns about farming impacts, limited public notice, community input and the potential loss of local regulatory control. The commission also voted 0-5 against extending the existing data center moratorium, with staff saying the proposed ordinance was already moving forward; the City Council is expected to begin considering the ordinance through a series of readings.