Thoughts on data centers? Eagan requests feedback as city considers data center regulations
The City of Eagan is soliciting public feedback via an input session and online survey regarding future data center regulations, operating under a one-year moratorium enacted in February. This initiative aims to address potential impacts like noise, water, and energy use. Neighboring Dakota County cities also have moratoriums, with Inver Grove Heights facing a lawsuit from data center developer QLevr.
The City of Eagan, Minnesota, is actively seeking community input on potential data center regulations as it operates under a one-year moratorium on new data center development, enacted in February. The moratorium halts projects exceeding 20 megawatts and upgrades above 9 megawatts, as well as any centers within 500 feet of residential areas. City staff are using this period to study long-term impacts, clarify design standards, and integrate future data centers into the city's zoning plan. Residents and workers can share feedback at a drop-in session or through an online survey that closes November 1, addressing concerns like noise, water, energy, and economic impacts.
Neighboring cities in Dakota County, including Apple Valley, Rosemount, and Inver Grove Heights, have also implemented one-year data center moratoriums. Inver Grove Heights recently amended its moratorium after data center developer QLevr filed a lawsuit challenging the interim ordinance. QLevr is pursuing a 54,000-square-foot data center project and, had the lawsuit proceeded and favored the developer, Inver Grove Heights could have faced at least $20 million in liabilities. Rosemount's moratorium is set to expire in April 2027, and Apple Valley's in July.