City to consider zoning rules ahead of any data center proposal
Amery, Wisconsin officials are proactively considering new zoning rules to define data centers before any developers approach the city, aiming to be prepared for potential future proposals. Discussions highlighted concerns about data centers' high water and electricity consumption, potential noise and traffic, and the need for transparency in negotiations. The city is currently in the process of a broader zoning code rewrite, into which these data center provisions will be integrated.
Amery, Wisconsin officials are proactively developing new zoning language to define and regulate data centers, even though no specific development proposals have been received. City Administrator Alex Mansfield briefed the Committee of the Whole on the characteristics of data centers, noting their significant requirements for land, water for cooling, and electricity, which can strain local power grids. Mansfield highlighted Wisconsin's sales tax exemption and water resources as factors attracting data center developers to the state, citing rejected projects in Menomonie and approved ones in Port Washington and Beaver Dam as examples.
Despite Mansfield's view that Amery is unlikely to attract a hyperscale facility due to limited developable land and an already stressed power grid, council members, including Eric Elkin and Mayor Rick Van Blaricom, agreed that comprehensive zoning definitions are necessary. This framework would allow the city to engage in "meaningful negotiation" if a developer expresses interest. Concerns raised during the discussion included increased truck traffic, noise pollution from cooling systems, the long-term value of obsolete facilities, and the importance of transparency in negotiations, with officials stating they would not support non-disclosure agreements.
Council member Taylor Larson mentioned that Xcel Energy has petitioned the Public Service Commission to mandate that data center developers cover the full cost of their electricity consumption, a regulatory change that could influence future projects statewide. No formal action was taken at the Tuesday meeting; Mansfield is tasked with bringing proposed zoning language back to the planning commission for further review, alongside information on the city's electrical grid capacity, as part of an ongoing city-wide zoning code update. This proactive measure aims to prepare Amery for potential future data center inquiries.