Ravenna Council Lays Out Process for Data Center Zoning Rules
Ravenna City Council is beginning work on zoning code amendments governing potential data center development. The proposed language will be drafted by a law firm and reviewed by the Ravenna Planning Commission for 30 to 60 days, while council members consider options including a new industrial district, conditional-use approval, or a possible ban or moratorium.
Ravenna City Council member Carmen Laudato said the city is preparing a zoning code text amendment addressing data centers. A law firm is drafting the language, which is expected to be sent to the Ravenna Planning Commission for between 30 and 60 days of review before the council considers further action.
Council members said only a limited number of locations in Ravenna may be suitable for data centers. They discussed creating a new industrial zoning district or allowing facilities through a conditional-use process in the existing industrial district, while also leaving open the possibility of a ban or moratorium if the city’s evaluation finds no appropriate sites. Officials emphasized that the Planning Commission should have a role in developing and reviewing the changes, rather than the council making the amendments without its input.