Council previews: St. Cloud to vote on data center ordinance
The St. Cloud City Council is scheduled to vote on an ordinance regulating where and how new hyperscale data centers can be built. The proposal would impose setbacks, require multiple impact studies, regulate water use, and require sustainable design and decommissioning plans; some planning commissioners favored a moratorium instead.
The St. Cloud City Council is set to consider an ordinance governing new hyperscale and enterprise data centers on Oct. 19. The proposal would require hyperscale facilities to use the city water system, maintain 1,320-foot setbacks from roads and residentially zoned property, and complete land-use, traffic, noise, environmental and community-impact studies before receiving permits.
The ordinance also calls for confirmation of sustainable energy and water practices and a decommissioning plan. The St. Cloud Planning Commission advanced the measure in a 4-2 vote after delaying an earlier proposal, while members Sabrin Ali and City Council candidate Charlie Hobbs preferred a moratorium to allow more time for research. Neighboring Waite Park and St. Joseph have approved one-year moratoriums, and Sartell adopted similar regulations in April.