City Council advances data center ordinance

The Eden Prairie City Council unanimously approved a draft ordinance at its June 16 meeting, aiming to regulate data centers in the city amidst their growing prevalence in Twin Cities suburbs. Community Development Director Julie Klima presented the ordinance, which establishes requirements for data centers to align with the city's sustainability objectives and proactively manage potential impacts.

The draft ordinance, which previously received approval from the Planning Commission without opposition, defines data centers as standalone buildings for data storage and management. It mandates that these facilities be built within I-General industrial zoning districts and include a 700-foot buffer from residential areas to mitigate noise from mechanical equipment.

Key regulations also address environmental concerns. Data centers would be required to connect to city water and implement closed-loop systems for water usage, rather than drawing from the city's aquifer. Public Works Director Robert Ellis clarified that while there would be no maximum water usage prohibition, the city connection would reduce reliance on private wells. Additionally, generators would need to meet the Environmental Protection Agency's stringent Tier 4 emissions standards.

Klima emphasized that the ordinance is designed to be flexible, allowing the city to assess each development application for its specific impacts on noise, land use, adjacent properties, and the environment. Developers will also need to incorporate sustainability measures, such as providing 70% of usable roof space for on-site solar, to comply with the city's Climate Action Plan. The draft ordinance is expected to return to the council for further consideration.