Greenville to review proposed zoning rules for data centers

The Village of Greenville, Wisconsin, is actively reviewing proposed zoning regulations for data centers. This proactive measure is being taken to establish clear guidelines before any specific data center development proposals are submitted, in response to a statewide increase in data center siting. Village Planner Mark Mommaerts recommended the pre-emptive regulations to ensure Greenville has rules in place. The proposed changes to the current zoning ordinance will be deliberated at a Planning Commission meeting, which includes a public comment period. The draft amendment suggests categorizing data centers as a "special exception" under warehouse use. This designation would mandate a public hearing, review and recommendation from the Planning Commission, and final approval from the Village Board. Village officials have emphasized that there are no current or anticipated applications from data center developers. The primary goal of this amendment is to prepare a regulatory framework to manage potential future data center proposals effectively. If the Planning Commission approves the ordinance, it will then advance to the Village Board for further consideration.