Minneapolis Planning Commission advances data center zoning rules as moratorium nears end
The Minneapolis Planning Commission advanced proposed zoning rules that would limit where data centers can operate, restrict their size and energy use, and require additional review and impact controls. The action comes as the city’s moratorium on large-scale data centers is set to expire, while opponents are urging stricter limits or an extension of the moratorium.
The Minneapolis Planning Commission approved a proposal to revise the city’s zoning code for data centers. The rules would limit facilities to two downtown zoning districts, generally require new centers to operate in existing buildings, restrict their size and energy use, and add requirements addressing noise and other impacts. City co-development manager Jason Wittenberg said the approach could help reuse vacant downtown space, which accounts for about 8 million square feet.
The proposal drew significant opposition during a nearly four-hour public meeting. Many speakers argued that large-scale data centers should not be allowed in Minneapolis and called for an extended moratorium, a 25,000-square-foot cap, and greater transparency about energy and water consumption. The measure will next go to the Business, Housing, and Zoning Committee and then the full City Council, with the existing moratorium scheduled to expire in just over a month.