Plain City pauses data center zoning, enacts six-month moratorium
Plain City Village Council voted to table a proposed strict data center zoning plan and instead enacted a six-month moratorium on new data center applications. This decision was influenced by legal advice suggesting the initial zoning rules lacked a "rational basis" and could lead to lawsuits. Separately, a local student's survey in Union County revealed widespread resident skepticism towards data center development, with water consumption being the top concern.
Plain City's Village Council has paused the implementation of new, stricter zoning laws for data centers and instead enacted a six-month moratorium on any new applications for these facilities. The council's unanimous 6-0 vote came after legal counsel warned that proposed doubled setback distances—requiring data centers to be at least 1,500 feet from residential property lines—might be legally challenged without sufficient research to establish a "rational basis."
Village staff noted that data center technology is new to the area and will use the temporary ban to conduct formal studies on issues like noise, vibrations, and water use, providing monthly reports to the council. The moratorium, expected to be officially signed in August, will not affect projects already approved or those with applications currently being processed, applying only to new requests. Village officials stated the goal is to ensure a "thoughtful place" for these businesses that protects community character, rather than to permanently halt development.
Separately, a local scouting project in Union County offered the Marysville City Council insights into resident sentiment regarding data center development. Bryson Tillman's online survey, which gathered 225 responses from across the county, including nearly half from Marysville residents, highlighted widespread skepticism toward additional data center development and identified water consumption as the primary concern for over 140 respondents. Residents also favored data centers providing their own water sources and requiring environmental protections.
Council President Scott Hunter acknowledged that the findings mirrored existing community concerns about water but noted the results from online surveys often lean more negative, requiring contextual interpretation.