Warrick County public hearing on data center ordinance set for Monday
Warrick County's Area Plan Commission is holding a public hearing to discuss a draft ordinance for data centers, which proposes prohibiting large facilities over 40,000 square feet and establishing operating rules for medium-sized ones. This initiative follows past controversy and aims to set clear standards for future data center development within the county. The ordinance, if approved, will then go to the Warrick County Commissioners for a final decision.
The Warrick County Area Plan Commission (APC) is scheduled to hold a public hearing on Monday evening to discuss a proposed ordinance specifically addressing data center development within the county. The meeting will take place at 6 p.m. in the commissioners meeting room on the third floor of the Boonville courthouse.
The draft ordinance establishes definitions for three types of data centers based on size, with a notable provision prohibiting facilities larger than 40,000 square feet, effectively banning what it defines as "large" data centers in Warrick County. It also sets out rules for how and where medium-sized data centers can operate, including a 1,000-foot setback from certain residential and natural areas. APC President Jeff Valiant stated that the ordinance aims to establish necessary standards for projects, addressing key factors such as size, noise, appearance, and infrastructure impact, rather than granting automatic approval for future proposals.
Although Warrick County officials confirm no current data center plans have been submitted for approval, the issue garnered significant attention last year when a company's planned presentation to the APC was canceled due to public concern. This led to the formation of a committee tasked with developing the current zoning code amendment. If the APC approves the ordinance, it will then proceed to the Warrick County Commissioners for final approval or denial.
The discussion in Warrick County is part of a broader trend in Indiana, with neighboring Posey and Vanderburgh Counties also engaging in conversations about data center regulation. The Environmental Resilience Institute at Indiana University reports that 11 Indiana counties have passed ordinances addressing noise and light pollution from data centers, and 17 have enacted moratoriums. Marshall County and Cass County have even implemented total bans on data centers.