Here’s how to stay in the loop about City of Lawrence data center research
The City of Lawrence is researching how to regulate data centers and plans to seek public feedback beginning in the winter. Commissioners approved a two-year moratorium on large-scale data centers, while a separate text amendment requires future proposals to obtain special use permits and undergo public hearings.
Lawrence city staff are researching how other communities define and regulate data centers as the city considers longer-term local rules. Public meetings to share findings and gather feedback are planned for summer 2027, with draft standards expected to go before the planning commission and city commission for consideration in 2028.
The City of Lawrence approved a two-year moratorium on large-scale data centers in July. In September, the Lawrence-Douglas County Planning Commission approved a text amendment that remains in effect beyond the moratorium and requires any proposed data center to obtain a special use permit, including public hearings before the planning commission and Lawrence City Commission.