Palo passes rules for future data center projects
The Palo City Council in Iowa has approved an ordinance creating a new zoning district specifically for future data center development. This framework, known as the EU-1 Data Center Exclusive Use District, allows the city to set the terms for projects, like one previously explored by Google, ensuring community protection.
The Palo City Council in Iowa has given final approval to Ordinance No. 93-2026, establishing a new zoning district specifically for data center development. The council voted 4-1 on Monday night to create Section 165.16A, known as the EU-1 Data Center Exclusive Use District, which will be added to the city's zoning regulations.
City leaders stated that this ordinance provides Palo with the ability to define the terms for any future data center projects, ensuring community protection and local control over development. This action follows an approach from Google regarding a potential data center near the Dwayne Arnold nuclear site.
Council members conducted months of research, visiting other communities hosting large-scale data centers in Iowa and consulting with their leaders. Council member Doug Hanover cast the sole dissenting vote but did not publicly explain his decision during the meeting. While community concerns were raised throughout the process, council members expressed confidence that these issues could be addressed through future development agreements rather than solely within the zoning ordinance.