Wausau City Council Passes Data Center Ordinance with New Setback and Impact Report Requirements
The Wausau City Council has passed a new ordinance regulating data center development, requiring an additional 200 feet of setback and a conditional use permit for any proposed data center. The ordinance also mandates a report detailing impacts on water usage, energy, wastewater, sustainability, noise, and utilities. This initial measure is considered a starting point for future discussions on data center regulations.
The Wausau City Council recently approved a new ordinance designed to regulate future data center developments within the city. The ordinance mandates a 200-foot setback for any proposed data center and requires developers to obtain a conditional use permit. Additionally, any data center proposal would necessitate a comprehensive report detailing its potential impacts on water usage, energy consumption, wastewater, sustainability, noise levels, and overall utility infrastructure.
The measure, which passed with an 11-0 vote, is considered an initial framework for managing data center growth. While some community members advocated for an outright ban on such facilities, the Council views the ordinance as a foundation for further discussion and potential future amendments. This regulatory step aims to proactively address concerns related to the environmental and infrastructural demands often associated with large-scale data center operations.