Detroit begins drafting data center regulations
The Detroit City Planning Commission is actively drafting new regulations for data center developments, aiming for City Council approval by year-end. This initiative stems from a working group and a City Council resolution urging a two-year moratorium on data center construction. Various advocacy groups are raising concerns about the transparency of the process and the potential impacts of data centers on local communities, particularly regarding environmental and resource usage.
The Detroit City Planning Commission is currently developing a comprehensive proposal to regulate data center developments within the city, a priority spearheaded by City Councilman Scott Benson, who aims for City Council approval by December 31. This policy effort follows discussions by a cross-sector data center working group and involves city planning and building officials identifying existing small-scale facilities in Detroit.
Erma Leaphart, a retired conservation organizer for the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter and head of the workgroup’s public health and environmental impact subcommittee, highlighted the need to understand the number of existing data centers, their energy and water consumption, and noise impacts. Marcell Todd, Director of the City Planning Commission, noted that while some facilities function as data centers, Detroit is not equipped to accommodate hyperscale developments, which are a major concern due to their massive energy and water demands.
Councilman Benson stated that there is no political will or resident appetite for hyperscale data centers in Detroit, citing land limitations and DTE Energy's insufficient capacity. Meanwhile, advocacy groups such as the Detroit People’s Platform and the Eastside Community Network have raised concerns about the inclusivity and transparency of the working group's process, advocating for proper community input and education on potential impacts.
This regulatory push aligns with a City Council resolution from March, which urged Mayor Mary Sheffield to establish a two-year moratorium on data center development. Mayor Sheffield has not yet made a determination on this request. Benson, however, assured that the drafting of the ordinance will include public hearings and a community engagement process, encouraging residents to get involved as the planning commission finalizes the policy.