Massillon Enacts New Zoning Rules to Restrict Data Centers
Massillon City Council has approved new zoning regulations that restrict data center construction to heavy industrial zones. These rules aim to protect residents from potential issues like noise and pollution. The proactive measures come as the city's moratorium on data centers is set to expire in August.
Massillon City Council recently approved new zoning regulations to control where data centers can be built within the city. The proactive move comes as city leaders anticipate future data center proposals and want to ensure safeguards are in place for residents.
The new rules dictate that data centers can only be constructed in areas already designated as heavy industrial zones. Council members, including Councilwoman Smith, expressed concerns about protecting residents from potential issues such as constant noise, health effects, higher electric bills, and water pollution. To address these concerns, the regulations require data center plans to be at least 400 feet away from residential areas.
Furthermore, the council will mandate a site plan review for any proposed data center. This review will assess noise levels, water supply, and electric capacity before construction begins. Currently, there are no active plans for a data center in Massillon, but the city's moratorium on data center development is scheduled to expire on August 14. This legislative action by the Massillon City Council is part of a broader conversation happening across Ohio and Northeast Ohio regarding data center development.