Dayton to vote on zoning changes to ban data centers, restrict gas stations and car washes

The Dayton City Commission is set to vote on June 24 on significant zoning changes, including a proposed ban on data centers. The city's planning department recommended the ban at its June 17 meeting, following an assessment of four key criteria: water usage, electric rates, environmental concerns for residents, and financial incentives for the city. Jeff Green, director of the Dayton planning department, stated that based on available information, a ban was deemed the best course of action at this time.

This proposed ban comes after the Dayton City Plan Board earlier this year recommended a 180-day moratorium on data center construction, which remains in effect. The article notes that data center development in Ohio has become a contentious issue, leading to a statewide petition for a ban, the creation of a joint data center committee at the statehouse, and local moratoriums in various cities. Discussions also include the environmental impact, with the Ohio Chamber recently releasing a report on water usage by data center facilities. The city of Dayton is also in the process of revising its decades-old zoning code and is soliciting resident input through AdaptDayton.com.