Midwest City leaders propose new regulations for data centers
Midwest City, Oklahoma, is considering a new ordinance to regulate future data center developments. The proposed rules would require special use permits, establish minimum setbacks from residential areas, mandate detailed disclosures of resource consumption, and enforce noise limits. The city council is expected to vote on these regulations at a future meeting.
Midwest City leaders are proposing a new ordinance to regulate data centers, addressing concerns related to zoning, resource usage, and noise. The proposed changes would require all future data center developments to obtain a special use permit, a departure from current rules that allow them in certain industrial zones without such a permit if existing zoning requirements are met. This would also introduce an additional public review process.
The ordinance includes specific setback requirements: facilities under 100,000 square feet would need to be at least 500 feet from homes, while larger data centers would require a 1,000-foot buffer. Developers would also be mandated to disclose comprehensive details about their resource consumption, including daily and annual water and electricity usage, wastewater output, backup generators, chemicals used in water treatment, and whether a substation is needed. Furthermore, the proposal outlines noise regulations, requiring pre- and post-construction noise studies and setting limits on noise levels at property lines, with mechanical equipment and substations needing screening. City Manager Tim Lyon stated that these regulations are being developed proactively, as no developers have yet approached the city about building a data center. The proposed ordinance is expected to be considered by the city council at a meeting scheduled for September 22.