Marysville Considers Stricter Zoning for Data Centers, Proposes Conditional Use
Marysville City Council is deliberating zoning updates for the Marysville East project, which includes significant changes affecting data centers. The proposed rules would shift data centers from being allowed "by right" to a "conditional use" category, giving the city more control over their impact, particularly on water resources. The plan, which also bans groundwater wells in industrial areas, passed its first reading and is scheduled for future public hearings and votes.
Marysville City Council is currently debating comprehensive zoning updates for the extensive Marysville East project, which critically impacts future data center development within the city. Planning and Development Manager Ashley Gaver noted that the update is primarily a "clerical" effort to consolidate multiple zoning plans into a single, unified document, while also incorporating recently annexed lands.
A key component of Ordinance 38-26 is the reclassification of data centers, moving them from an "allowed by right" status to a "conditional use" category. This change grants the city greater authority to assess the potential strain on local resources, such as water, before approving new facilities. Furthermore, the proposed legislation explicitly prohibits data centers in certain areas adjacent to existing residential neighborhoods and bans groundwater wells across the entire industrial district, a direct response to resident concerns about local water supply protection.
Councilman Zack Bordner lauded the developers for honoring previous "handshake agreements" with community members. The plan successfully passed its initial reading and will proceed to a public hearing and further discussion in upcoming council meetings, with Council President Scott Hunter suggesting a working group to ensure all zoning adjustments are correct before a final vote.