In data center hubs Aurora and DeKalb, two different approaches to setting restrictions
The City of Aurora, Illinois, implemented strict new regulations for data centers, including conditional use permits and environmental studies, following a moratorium due to public complaints about noise and zoning workarounds. In contrast, DeKalb, Illinois, has adopted a more lenient approach, emphasizing economic benefits. State-level efforts, such as the proposed POWER Act, aim to establish consistent data center policies across Illinois.
The City of Aurora, Illinois, has enacted stringent new regulations for data centers after experiencing public backlash and issues with facilities circumventing zoning laws by classifying as warehouses. In September 2025, the city imposed a 180-day moratorium on new data center applications. Upon its expiration in March 2026, the Aurora City Council voted to adopt comprehensive ordinances. These new rules, developed with input from the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus and public engagement, now define data centers as conditional use facilities, mandating public hearings, council approval, and public notice for new projects. Additionally, the regulations require water, energy management, and sound studies at the time of application, prohibit evaporative cooling, and set limits on energy consumption and vibration.
Conversely, the City of DeKalb, Illinois, maintains a less restrictive stance on data center development, exemplified by the existing Meta Data Center and the planned Endeavour Energy facility. DeKalb City Manager Bill Nicklas indicated that the city's approach focuses on economic benefits, with fewer requirements beyond standard building height and landscaping. While Meta's water usage is metered, and the new Edged facility plans to use waterless cooling, DeKalb does not impose the same rigorous environmental studies or operational restrictions as Aurora.
Statewide, advocacy groups like Illinois People's Action are pushing for more comprehensive data center regulations. Policy Director Dawn Dannenbring emphasized the need for data centers to pay their fair share, support clean energy, and protect natural resources. She highlighted the proposed POWER Act, which failed to advance in the legislative session but includes many of these requirements, and advocates plan to reintroduce it. Aurora's Mayor John Laesch supports state-level intervention, viewing Aurora's ordinances as a 'reasonable start' for regulating data centers across Illinois.