Estherville Planning and Zoning Commission advances data center ordinance recommendations to city...
Estherville's Planning and Zoning Commission approved recommendations for a data center ordinance and will present them to the City Council for final approval. The proposed rules would limit facilities to 25 megawatts and require measures addressing environmental impacts, noise, water availability and power usage.
The Estherville Planning and Zoning Commission advanced recommendations for a city data center ordinance to the Estherville City Council. The proposed framework would limit a data center to 25 megawatts and include noise restrictions, environmental safeguards, and requirements related to water and electricity use.
Commission members said applicants would need to demonstrate adequate water and energy capacity and show that a facility would not place an excessive burden on the broader community. Officials said improved understanding of data center operations has eased concerns, but the recommendations still require final approval from the City Council.