Waite Park City Council Passes One-Year Data Center Moratorium

The Waite Park City Council in Minnesota has unanimously passed a one-year moratorium on data center development to allow the city to study the potential impacts of such facilities on municipal resources. Planning Director Jon Noerenberg noted that while data centers are becoming more common in Minnesota, the city's current ordinances are not equipped to handle this type of development. He highlighted water usage and noise emissions as the primary concerns. Unlike previous moratoriums on solar and quarrying projects, this action is proactive, aiming to establish regulations before any specific proposals emerge. Resident Donny Daubanton expressed support for the moratorium, citing concerns about water, noise, artificial intelligence, and public surveillance, urging other residents to voice their opinions. Daubanton also suggested that land considered for data centers could instead be used for affordable housing. An exception in the draft ordinance permits the construction of small, 300-square-foot telecommunications shelters with fiber-optic equipment, which city staff clarified are not data center-related and do not require water. The city plans to research data center regulations in neighboring communities before drafting new guidelines. Noerenberg stated his preference for a well-refined proposal that satisfies both residents and city officials before considering an early termination of the moratorium.