Fort Wayne officials move toward data center zoning regulations following failed moratorium
Fort Wayne officials are beginning work on zoning regulations for data centers after the City Council rejected a proposed 365-day moratorium in a tied vote. The effort follows concerns about Google’s data center near Adams Center Road, including its size, cooling towers and diesel generators.
The Fort Wayne City Plan Commission approved Councilman Scott Myers’ request to begin developing a zoning ordinance amendment specifically for data centers. The Allen County Department of Planning Services will research potential siting requirements and development standards, although the amendment remains in an early stage and would require further review before taking effect.
The initiative follows the City Council’s 4-4 vote against a proposed yearlong moratorium on new data centers. Myers opposed the temporary ban, while Councilmen Geoff Paddock and Russ Jehl supported it. Officials said Google’s data center development in southeast Fort Wayne has underscored the need for clearer rules governing future facilities, particularly those near residential neighborhoods.