Proposed data center rules prohibit ‘hyperscale’ data centers in Madison
Madison is proposing zoning rules that would prohibit hyperscale data centers larger than 100,000 square feet and multi-building data center campuses within city limits. The city will hold a virtual public information meeting on Oct. 27 to discuss the draft framework, developed during a one-year moratorium on data centers larger than 10,000 square feet.
The City of Madison has released a draft regulatory framework that would create size-based zoning categories for data centers. The proposal would allow smaller facilities and onsite server rooms but prohibit hyperscale facilities exceeding 100,000 square feet, as well as campuses with multiple data center buildings on one property.
Madison’s Department of Planning & Community & Economic Development will host a virtual public information meeting on Oct. 27 to explain the draft rules and gather public input. City staff developed the framework during a one-year moratorium on data centers larger than 10,000 square feet.