Plain City tightens data center zoning restrictions
Plain City, Ohio, is moving to significantly tighten its zoning restrictions for data centers. The Village Council is delaying a vote to implement stricter limits on location, noise, and distance from residential areas and water sources. This proactive measure aims to prevent future issues and establish clear standards before development applications are submitted.
Plain City, Ohio, is actively developing more stringent zoning regulations for data centers. The Plain City Village Council voted to delay a decision on a new ordinance to incorporate even stricter rules regarding data center placement and noise levels. Residents, including one who voiced concerns about an 11-mile power line project potentially for a data center, worry about adverse effects on health, community character, and the environment.
Proposed changes include doubling the required setback from residential areas from 750 feet to 1,500 feet and increasing the buffer from Big Darby Creek and other local streams like Sugar Run, Sweeney Run, and Robinson Run from 1,000 feet to 2,000 feet. The council also aims to restrict data centers to specific industrial zones or industrial-only Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) to prevent developers from bypassing stricter industrial requirements.
Village leaders emphasized a proactive approach to set clear standards before applications are submitted, thereby avoiding potential legal challenges. Council members are also focused on reducing allowed noise levels, particularly the low-frequency hum from cooling fans. Plain City staff will update the ordinance, with a special meeting scheduled for July 1 to review the revised law.