Ypsilanti officials consider data center ordinance proposal
The City of Ypsilanti is considering a new ordinance to update zoning laws for data centers, prompted by a presentation from City Planner Josh Burns. The proposal outlines regulations for data center size, energy and water consumption limits, setbacks, design, noise, and environmental assessments, aiming to manage their impact while acknowledging their critical function. Public input sessions are planned before the ordinance proceeds to a first reading.
Ypsilanti City Council is actively considering a comprehensive ordinance to update the city's zoning laws specifically for data centers. City Planner Josh Burns presented the proposal, emphasizing data centers' critical role in modern infrastructure while acknowledging their significant demands in energy, cooling, and potential environmental impacts. The proposed regulations aim to categorize data centers into accessory, small, and large types, with varying requirements for each.
Key aspects of the ordinance include limiting small data centers to 20,000 square feet, five megawatts of energy, and 20,000 gallons of cooling water daily, requiring a minimum of 2.5 acres. Large data centers would exceed these thresholds and require at least five acres. The proposal also mandates specific setbacks, lot coverage, tree canopy, and architectural design elements, such as preventing large blank walls facing public streets.
Environmental concerns are a central focus, with the ordinance prohibiting open-loop water cooling systems and requiring all water to be sourced from the Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority, with no natural water system withdrawals or discharges. Noise reduction measures, particularly between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., are also part of the plan, addressing potential resident complaints. Mayor Nicole Brown and Councilor Amber Fellows highlighted the importance of public health and robust public input in refining the draft, noting that additional public sessions are scheduled before the ordinance's first reading.