Comparing Plain City and Jerome data center zoning regs | Police & fire join coalition warning of property tax repeal risks

As Central Ohio emerges as a technology hub, local authorities in Plain City and Jerome Township, both situated in Union County, are establishing new zoning regulations for large-scale data centers. Plain City's proposed ordinances are notably more stringent compared to Jerome Township's. Both communities mandate data centers as a conditional use, necessitating case-by-case reviews, and require developers to construct earthen mounds and plant trees for noise and visual buffering. Additionally, both demand utility studies to confirm local power and water infrastructure can support the facilities' demands. The primary distinctions lie in setback requirements and decommissioning plans. Plain City mandates data centers be at least 750 feet from homes and includes a 1,000-foot buffer for Big Darby Creek, while Jerome Township requires a 300-foot setback. Crucially, Plain City's regulations include a decommissioning plan, compelling companies to allocate funds for facility removal upon closure, preventing future eyesores. Plain City officials concede that their strict standards are intended to deter data center development within the village, making Jerome Township's less demanding environment potentially more attractive to developers. Leaders in Marysville and other townships are also reportedly considering similar zoning measures.