Hutchinson Planning Commission continues work on data center regulations
The Hutchinson Planning Commission is developing proposed regulations governing where data centers may be built, their water use, cooling systems, noise, emergency response and site cleanup. A public hearing is scheduled for Nov. 10, after which the proposal could advance to the Hutchinson City Council.
The Hutchinson Planning Commission continued drafting regulations for data centers, proposing to allow large facilities only in the Kansas Enterprise Industrial Park and Kimbell Industrial Park while permitting smaller facilities elsewhere through conditional-use permits. Commissioners are still debating whether projects in the designated parks should require an additional approval process.
The draft would require water-efficient cooling systems, establish noise limits, regulate generator testing and require fire department approval before a facility opens. Commissioners also discussed water-use reporting, contamination and emergency-response concerns, as well as requiring developers to provide cleanup plans and financial guarantees if a facility closes. A public hearing is set for Nov. 10, with possible consideration by the Hutchinson City Council on Dec. 1.