Vermillion Planning and Zoning Commission Holds Public Hearing on Proposed Data Center Ordinances
The City of Vermillion's Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing on proposed data center ordinances, attracting significant public opposition and calls for a moratorium. Concerns raised included water and electricity usage, environmental impacts, and quality of life. No action was taken at the adjourned meeting, which is set to resume later in the month.
The City of Vermillion's Planning and Zoning Commission convened a public hearing on August 10 to discuss six proposed ordinances aimed at regulating data center development within the city. The hearing, held in the city council chambers due to high public interest, saw a standing-room-only crowd, with nearly all attendees expressing strong opposition to the proliferation of data centers. Concerns raised by residents included the intensive water and electrical usage of data centers, their potential environmental impact, noise generation, disturbance to livestock and wildlife, and responsibility for maintenance and decommissioning.
P&Z Chairman Matt Fairholm indicated that the board aims to make a recommendation to the city council, which holds final authority. City Engineer Jose Dominguez explained that while Vermillion has been approached by data center representatives, no projects have materialized yet. However, city staff believes proactive ordinances are necessary, as data centers currently fall under "retail services and trade," allowing them in multiple districts without specific regulations. The proposed ordinances, particularly Ordinance 1566, seek to establish a dedicated category for data centers, setting requirements for buffers, water for cooling, and noise, and limiting their size.
Local attorney Caitlin Collier, a former state legislator, warned that the proposed ordinances might conflict with South Dakota's data center bill of rights, particularly regarding the use of acreage versus a 10-megawatt peak demand definition. She also highlighted the lack of decommissioning plans and potential financial burdens on the municipality. Public commenters, including Archimedes Plutonium, Constance Krueger, Sherry Averlock, Austin Brunick, Robert Deminer, and Cameron Knutson, echoed concerns about water and electricity competition, infrastructure strain, noise (including infrasound), and called for a moratorium on data center construction. Clay County Commissioner Geoffrey Gray-Lobe, speaking as a private citizen, also urged for clearer definitions based on megawatts and decibel levels, and the inclusion of decommissioning language and community benefit agreements. The hearing was adjourned without action and is scheduled to resume on August 31. An informational meeting with experts is also planned for August 18.