Sioux City planners begin work on data center zoning rules
Sioux City officials are developing zoning rules for data centers before approving any new project. The city is consulting MidAmerican Energy about power needs, with a draft ordinance expected to go before the Planning and Zoning Commission and later the City Council.
Sioux City planning officials are preparing zoning regulations for potential data center development because the city’s existing ordinance does not specifically address the facilities. Planning Manager Chris Madsen told the Planning and Zoning Commission that the city has received inquiries about possible rural-site developments and adaptive reuse projects, but no specific project has been proposed.
The city currently has two small data centers classified under existing uses, and officials said they have received no complaints about noise or related impacts. Sioux City is seeking input from MidAmerican Energy on power requirements and possible studies, with a draft ordinance or portions of one expected for commission discussion later this month before potentially advancing to the City Council.