Hillsboro officials provide data center update
Hillsboro officials are discussing updates to city ordinances to define and regulate data centers, aiming for increased protections. The current zoning allows data centers in heavy industrial areas, and the new ordinances would add specific restrictions. Residents have expressed concerns about potential uncontrolled development.
Hillsboro city officials are working to establish new ordinances specifically addressing data centers. During recent meetings, the Hillsboro Corporation discussed the need to add definitions and restrictions into city code. Jessica Trammell, the Director of Economic Development, explained that these changes aim to provide better protections for the city before data centers begin to build. Currently, data centers can be established in heavy industrial zones without specific oversight.
The proposed ordinances would define what is needed for any data center and establish specific restrictions. Not all residents are in favor of the current approach. One resident, identified as Polly, expressed concern at Monday's meeting that the existing provisions and lack of specific definitions could open the "floodgates" for uncontrolled data center development. Officials indicated that further meetings on the matter would be held.