Residents push back as Shawnee County changes data center zoning rules

Shawnee County commissioners unanimously approved text amendments to a zoning ordinance on June 11, which now requires data centers to obtain a Conditional Use Permit for development. This change means data centers will no longer be allowed "by right" in light industrial (I-1) and heavy industrial (I-2) districts. Commissioner Aaron Mays clarified that the vote was not to approve or deny a specific data center, but rather to implement stricter regulations for future applications.

The decision followed a May 6 recommendation from the Shawnee County Planning Commission and a public hearing where approximately 30 residents voiced their strong opposition. Many residents, including Aimee Gillette and Meghan Ryan, called for a one-to-three-year moratorium on data center development, citing concerns about economic, environmental, and physiological impacts, and expressing suspicions about the rapid pace of development in "vulnerable communities." Residents asserted that their concerns were based on academic studies, not misinformation, as suggested by Commissioner Bill Riphahn.

Despite the public outcry for a moratorium, commissioners rejected the idea. Mays stated that moratoriums often serve as a delay rather than a solution, preventing elected officials from making necessary decisions. County Counselor Rich Eckert had previously indicated on June 5 that Shawnee County anticipates receiving applications for a data center and a Battery Energy Storage System facility within the next two months, prompting the urgency for these zoning changes.

Rachael Allen, a Shawnee County resident, expressed disappointment with the unanimous vote, feeling it dismissed residents' concerns and calls for more research and time. The county's land use and development director, Joni Thadani, explained that the previous zoning code did not specifically address data centers, making the new Conditional Use Permit requirement a crucial step for county oversight.