Massillon finalizes data center zoning regulations with 7-1 vote
Massillon City Council approved new zoning rules for data centers, restricting them to heavy-industrial zones and imposing specific setbacks and utility requirements. The decision followed resident opposition and calls to extend a 60-day moratorium, which is scheduled to expire soon. This move is part of a broader trend in Stark County to regulate data center development.
Massillon City Council voted 7-1 on August 3 to approve new, restrictive zoning regulations for data centers. These rules confine data centers to heavy-industrial (I-2) zones, often referred to as "brown land," to keep them away from residential areas. The legislation also mandates 400-foot setbacks for facilities exceeding 100,000 square feet and requires developers to prove adequate water, electric, and wastewater capacity, as well as peak noise level certifications, prior to construction. Councilwoman Julie Harwig Smith, who chairs the city's Community Development Committee, stated that these measures are "as restrictive as we can be without outlawing" the facilities.
The vote followed significant public opposition, with a dozen residents speaking against allowing any data centers in Massillon during the August 3 meeting; no one spoke in favor. Councilman Tony Townsend cast the lone dissenting vote, citing resident concerns. Residents, including Jane Schultz, Antonia Carbone, and Steven Slagle, urged the council to extend the city's 60-day moratorium on data centers, which was scheduled to expire on August 7, and conduct further research into potential health, noise, and environmental impacts.
Under the new rules, the city's site plan review committee can revisit utility-related changes after initial approval or construction. A data center developer has reportedly shown interest in the Massillon Technology and Energy Park, an area already zoned heavy industrial. This action by Massillon is part of a wider trend in Stark County, where other local governments like Canton, Alliance, Plain Township, Canton Township, and Washington Township have also enacted or considered data center regulations and moratoriums.