Salamun Discusses Data Center Rules, Public Safety and City Progress
Rapid City Mayor Jason Salamun discussed proposed regulations that would prohibit hyperscale data centers, require conditional-use permits for large facilities and apply different standards to smaller operations. The city is seeking public feedback, with the proposal expected to return to the Planning Commission before going to the City Council, while Salamun emphasized protecting local water resources.
Rapid City Mayor Jason Salamun said the city is developing a three-tier regulatory framework for data centers. Under the proposal, hyperscale facilities would be prohibited, large-scale facilities would require conditional-use permits and smaller operations would be governed by separate standards. Salamun identified protection of local resources, particularly water, as a central concern.
About 200 people attended a city open house to comment on the rules, which are expected to return to the Rapid City Planning Commission before consideration by the City Council. Salamun said the discussion remained peaceful despite strong opinions about data center development. The mayor also discussed public safety coordination with Pennington County, Sioux Falls, Minnehaha County and state officials, along with other city initiatives.