Rapid City considers limits on large data centers
Rapid City officials are developing an ordinance to regulate large data centers, addressing water use, noise, power consumption and setbacks from residential areas. At an informational session attended by nearly 250 residents, public opinion generally favored requiring conditional approval or prohibiting larger facilities within city limits.
Rapid City’s Community Development Department is working on a proposed data center ordinance and held an informational session to gather public input. Officials discussed permitting, conditional-use requirements, possible prohibitions within city limits, water consumption, noise, electricity use and distances from residential areas.
The proposal would introduce restrictions that are not currently in place, allowing facilities using between 10 and 50 megawatts only on a conditional basis while prohibiting larger data centers exceeding that threshold. Residents largely expressed support for conditional approval requirements or a ban on such facilities, and the feedback will be shared with the Planning Commission and City Council before they make a final decision.