Eden Prairie Council approves new residential development, adds regulations for data centers
Eden Prairie City Council approved an ordinance to establish new regulations for data centers. These regulations declare data centers a permitted use in the I-Gen zoning district, but require comprehensive studies on land use, noise, and environmental impacts, as well as adherence to sustainability standards. The new rules aim to mitigate concerns regarding noise, pollution, and the impact on the city's water and electrical infrastructure.
The Eden Prairie City Council has approved new regulations for data centers, officially designating them as a permitted use within the city's I-Gen zoning district. This decision by the council, following a presentation from Community Development Director Julie Klima, aims to proactively address the increasing demand for data center facilities while mitigating potential impacts on the community.
The new ordinance mandates that any future data center applicant must submit detailed studies. These reports must cover land use compatibility, noise, environmental impacts, effects on emergency services, alignment with the city's Climate Action Plan goals, and adherence to at least one green building standard. Additionally, the regulations require data centers to maintain a 700-foot buffer from residential areas and connect to the city's water supply. Klima noted that while Eden Prairie lacks vast undeveloped land for mega-sized data centers, it possesses aging industrial and office properties suitable for redevelopment. The council retains the authority to impose further conditions on specific projects to address any emerging concerns.