Fort Madison Planning and Zoning Commission forwards proposed data center regulations to City Council
The Fort Madison Planning & Zoning Commission is forwarding proposed zoning code changes, including new "High Infrastructure Impact Developments" classifications, to the City Council for review. These changes aim to regulate future data center operations within city limits due to past community concerns about water usage, noise, and electricity. This follows a Lee County moratorium that led to a cease-and-desist for a data center project just outside Fort Madison's jurisdiction.
The Fort Madison Planning & Zoning Commission has voted to forward proposed amendments to the city's zoning code, including the creation of "High Infrastructure Impact Developments" (HIID) classifications, to the Fort Madison City Council for further review. These proposed regulations aim to more effectively govern future data center projects within Fort Madison city limits, requiring comprehensive studies and certifications.
The move comes after significant community concern regarding a data center project at 2201 S. Business 61, located just outside Fort Madison's corporate limits but within Lee County. Residents voiced worries about potential impacts such as water usage, noise, and electricity consumption. Although the city initially lacked jurisdiction over the specific site, the Lee County Board of Supervisors enacted a one-year moratorium on data center construction in June.
Lee County Attorney Ross Braden later sent a cease-and-desist letter to the developer of the Burlington Hill project, halting construction after determining the moratorium applied regardless of when the project began. Commission Chair Barb Asay expressed concerns during the recent meeting about potentially deterring future business investments in Fort Madison with overly restrictive ordinances. The City Council is expected to receive an update on the proposals, which will undergo further legal review before potential votes.