Tippecanoe APC advances data center restrictions

The Tippecanoe County Area Plan Commission advanced Amendment 129, a proposed update to the Unified Zoning Ordinance that would establish standards for large data centers. Facilities exceeding thresholds for power use, acreage or building size would face additional requirements and a special-exception process, while smaller facilities would remain subject to fewer restrictions.

Residents at the public hearing urged stronger protections, including limits on electricity consumption, consideration of a moratorium or ban, and additional safeguards addressing water use, noise and environmental effects. The commission approved adding independent third-party noise studies before and after construction, with costs paid by applicants, and sent the amendment to local governments for further hearings and possible adoption.