Commissioner updates data center talks, storm cleanup assistance
Shawnee County is updating its zoning rules for data centers and battery storage, moving from automatic industrial approval to a conditional use permit process. Commissioner Kevin Cook explained this change aims to establish regulations for these developments in Kansas, where the legislature previously offered tax credits for data center establishment. While a moratorium was discussed, the commission decided against it in favor of implementing specific regulatory rules.
The Shawnee County Commission discussed a change in zoning rules concerning data centers and battery storage facilities during a recent meeting. Commissioner Kevin Cook provided an update on the talks, clarifying misinformation and explaining the county's approach to these developments.
According to Cook, the Kansas Legislature passed a bill last session offering significant tax credits to companies establishing data centers in the state. This led to an increase in proposed data center projects across Kansas. However, Shawnee County realized it lacked specific regulations for data centers or battery storage facilities, meaning any application for industrial-zoned land would have previously been difficult to deny without any governing rules.
To address this, Shawnee County is implementing new rules and regulations that designate data centers and battery storage as conditional use permits. This change requires applicants to go through special hearings to get their projects approved. While a moratorium on data center construction was discussed by the commissioners, they decided against it, opting instead to establish a clear regulatory framework to manage future applications.