Menomonie council delays vote on data center zoning rules
The Menomonie City Council unanimously delayed forwarding proposed I-4 zoning rules for large industrial projects, including data centers, to the Plan Commission. The draft would regulate building height, noise, lighting, water use, setbacks and other impacts, while residents requested stronger limits and groundwater protections.
The Menomonie City Council postponed sending a third draft of the proposed I-4 ordinance to the Plan Commission, giving council members and the public at least two additional weeks to review the rules. The ordinance would establish standards for large industrial sites, including limits on building height, lighting, noise, water use and other development impacts.
Residents urged the city to impose tighter restrictions on data center size, construction hours, generator testing, setbacks, green space and groundwater protection. Public Works Director Schofield said no specific properties are being considered for I-4 zoning, and any future data center rezoning would require a full application, public notice, hearing and final council approval. The council is expected to revisit the ordinance Nov. 16.