Data center zoning rules head to County Board
The Burnett County Board of Supervisors is considering a new I-2 Tech-Energy Industrial District to regulate where large data centers and battery storage facilities can locate. The proposed rules would require rezoning, impose noise and environmental monitoring standards, and require community benefit agreements, while some residents continue to call for a moratorium.
Burnett County supervisors are scheduled to consider a proposed I-2 Tech-Energy Industrial District after the county’s Land Use and Information Committee recommended the measure unanimously. No data center application has been filed, but officials described the ordinance as a proactive framework requiring projects larger than 1 megawatt to obtain rezoning and conditional-use approval.
The proposal includes setbacks, noise limits, groundwater and vibration testing, independent monitoring, community benefit agreements and solar installations covering much of a facility’s roof and parking areas. Supporters called the district a stronger alternative to a moratorium, while residents raised concerns about wetlands, Crex Meadows and battery safety. Polk-Burnett Electric Cooperative also objected to applying the same rezoning threshold to battery projects that must be located near substations.