Aurora lawmakers to discuss first of new data center regulations
Aurora lawmakers are set to discuss new data center regulations, including a proposed ban on evaporative cooling mechanisms due to water scarcity concerns and significant changes to zoning codes. These discussions follow a recent council resolution directing city management to update data center development standards. The council will also consider requiring buffers between data centers and residential areas.
Aurora city lawmakers are scheduled to deliberate on a set of new data center regulations, focusing primarily on a proposed ban on evaporative cooling and modifications to existing zoning codes. This discussion on Monday night comes after the Aurora City Council previously approved a resolution instructing city management to revise the city's data center development standards.
The proposed regulations include prohibiting evaporative cooling, which council documents deem as "inefficient" in its water usage, citing growing concerns over the city's water supply. Additionally, the new zoning rules would restrict data centers from operating in several current zone districts, such as mixed-use office and institutional zones, which currently allow schools, housing, and assisted living facilities. Under the new proposals, data centers would be permitted only in medium industrial and business tech zones.
City staff will also seek council input on whether to mandate buffer zones between data centers and residential areas. The study session to discuss these data center topics will commence at 4:15 p.m., followed by a regular council meeting at 6 p.m. in the Paul Tauer Aurora City Council Chamber.