Future data centers in Akron may face new review process

The City of Akron is moving to establish a new, more comprehensive review process for future data center developments, addressing a gap in its current zoning code. According to Kyle Julien, the city's planning director, the existing code lacks explicit definitions and specific regulations for modern data centers, which currently are only restricted to industrial areas without further review.

TheThe Akron Planning Commission is slated to consider a new zoning ordinance on July 10. This ordinance would designate data centers as a city land use requiring conditional-use approval for new facilities. Under this proposal, the Planning Commission would review each application, making recommendations before forwarding it to the Akron City Council. The City Council would then be mandated to hold public hearings, allowing both supporters and detractors to voice their opinions prior to a vote.

Mayor Shammas Malik emphasized that the proposal aims to create a "thoughtful, transparent process" to evaluate projects, engage the public, and safeguard community interests while providing predictability for applicants. The proposed review would require developers to submit detailed information, including site plans, noise projections, traffic studies, and potential impacts on nearby residences, schools, or daycare centers. This initiative is the first phase of a broader effort by the city to manage data center development, with a second phase dedicated to further research on varying scales of data centers. Ohio residents have previously raised concerns about data centers' environmental impact, including energy and water consumption.