St. Cloud advances data center ordinance, public hearing scheduled for Nov. 16
The St. Cloud City Council scheduled a Nov. 16 public hearing on an ordinance that would impose new restrictions and study requirements on hyperscale data centers. The proposed rules include setbacks from roads and residential properties, use of the city water system, environmental and community impact studies, and sustainability and decommissioning plans.
The St. Cloud City Council unanimously agreed to schedule a Nov. 16 public hearing on a proposed ordinance governing new hyperscale data centers. The measure would require data centers to use the city water system, maintain a 1,320-foot setback from road rights-of-way and residential-zoned properties, and complete land-use, traffic, noise, vibration, environmental and community impact studies before receiving permits.
The proposal would also require decommissioning plans and sustainable design, water-use and energy-use strategies. Council member Dave Masters said existing data centers are already present in the area, though not at the scale of newer hyperscale facilities. The ordinance follows a one-year moratorium in Waite Park and St. Joseph and new data center regulations adopted in Sartell; St. Cloud's final vote will follow public input at the November hearing.