Data center zoning ordinance could add clarity
Indianapolis's Department of Metropolitan Development is proposing new zoning regulations for data centers to address community concerns. These regulations aim to set minimum distances from neighborhoods, require utility plans, and establish noise limits. Public feedback and calls for developers to cover infrastructure costs are central to the ongoing debate.
The Department of Metropolitan Development in Indianapolis, Indiana, is currently proposing a new set of zoning regulations for data center developments. This initiative follows the city's observation of four data center development requests over the past year, including a Metrobloks data center planned for the Martindale Brightwood neighborhood. Councilmember Ron Gibson highlighted public fears, referencing an incident where a gunman left a "NO DATA CENTER" note after shooting into his home.
The proposed ordinance aims to introduce clarity by setting minimum distances from protected districts, requiring detailed water and electric utility plans, and imposing noise limits of 65 decibels. However, critics like Ben Inskeep, Program Director for the Citizens Action Coalition, argue that the ordinance fails to provide adequate protections for Hoosiers and appears designed to streamline the development process for new data centers. The coalition advocates for more stringent environmental protections, including stricter noise limits, clean energy requirements, and annual water use reporting.
Both the Citizens Action Coalition and Councilmember Gibson are pushing for developers to bear the full cost of any necessary utility infrastructure upgrades in Marion County, whereas the current proposal only requires assurances of capacity. The Metropolitan Development Commission is scheduled to discuss the ordinance on May 20th, with a potential referral to the City-County Council by June 1st if approved. Public information meetings are also planned to gather community feedback.