Indianapolis tightens proposed data center rules after community feedback
Indianapolis is proposing stricter zoning rules for data centers in Marion County, increasing required distances from protected areas and lowering noise levels. This action follows months of public opposition and concerns over water and energy consumption. The Metropolitan Development Commission is scheduled to hear the amendment in July 2026.
The Indianapolis Department of Metropolitan Development has introduced stricter zoning regulations for future data centers in Marion County, responding to months of public feedback and community opposition. These revised draft rules, an update to an earlier proposal from April, aim to create a specific zoning category for data centers, which currently lack a dedicated definition within the county's zoning framework.
Key changes in the proposed ordinance include increasing the minimum separation distance between a data center's primary building and protected areas, such as parks and historical sites, from 200 feet to 400 feet. Additionally, the maximum allowable noise levels at or beyond the property line will be reduced from 65 decibels to 55 decibels. Data centers would also be mandated to submit annual reports to the Metropolitan Development Commission (MDC), detailing operational aspects like energy and water consumption, noise levels, and generator testing frequency.
Community members have voiced concerns over the rapid expansion of data centers in Indiana, particularly regarding their substantial water and energy consumption. Critics have also expressed dissatisfaction with the ordinance's timeline, as projects currently undergoing the zoning process would not be subject to these new, stricter rules. The MDC is set to review the data center zoning amendment on July 1, 2026.