Springfield MA Weighs New Data Center Zoning Rules
Springfield officials are considering zoning changes that would limit data centers to Industrial A districts and require approval from the City Council. The broader zoning package, including riverfront development standards and other land-use rules, was postponed until later in November and remains unresolved.
Springfield officials are proposing to formally define data centers in the city’s zoning ordinance, limit them to Industrial A districts and require developers to obtain a special permit from the City Council. Deputy Planning Director Philip Dromey said the provisions would prepare the city for growing interest in data centers and address land uses not anticipated by the 2013 zoning overhaul, although Springfield has received few recent inquiries from prospective developers.
The data center provisions are part of a larger zoning package covering riverfront property near the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, signage, dumpsters, storage and accessory dwelling units. Councilors postponed a vote on the package until later in November. The proposal comes amid broader Massachusetts debate over data center impacts on energy demand, grid infrastructure, water resources, noise, land use and public health.