Pittsfield Weighs Rules for Data Centers Before Proposals Arrive
Pittsfield Township, Michigan, is actively developing a comprehensive ordinance to regulate data centers and other high-resource facilities before new proposals arrive. The proposed rules address environmental, energy, water, and noise impacts, requiring applicants to meet strict standards and report annually. This initiative coincides with the township's decision to extend its moratorium on data center development until November 2025.
Pittsfield Township in Washtenaw County, Michigan, is proactively establishing new regulations for data centers and other high-resource-demand facilities. The township's proposed ordinance, which has been released alongside a public survey closing June 10, is designed to protect public health, safety, infrastructure, natural resources, and neighborhood character. Township Supervisor Trish Reilly stated that the draft is expected to be presented to the Planning Commission on June 18 for public discussion and will continue to evolve with community feedback.
The initiative comes as Pittsfield Township has extended its moratorium on data center development for another six months, now set to expire in November 2025. During the initial six-month pause, the township gathered information from various experts. The comprehensive draft ordinance would mandate that applicants demonstrate a proposed facility will not strain water, sewer, or utility systems and secure written confirmation from relevant agencies regarding water impacts.
Furthermore, the ordinance includes stringent energy efficiency requirements, demanding that at least 90% of a facility's energy be met through renewable sources and maintain a Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of 1.2 or lower. Post-approval, operators would be required to submit annual reports on energy, water, renewable energy use, cooling methods, emissions, and sound monitoring. The draft also specifies noise limits (50 decibels at property lines, 40 at night next to residential areas), larger setbacks, and a good-faith local hiring plan, reflecting the township's recognition of data centers' "disproportionate impact" on communities.