Vanderburgh County could form data center study group under proposed ordinance
Vanderburgh County is considering a new ordinance to address data center development, which includes forming a five-person study group and pausing data center permits for six months. The Area Plan Commission will review the proposal on August 6, while other nearby counties like Posey and Warrick are also drafting regulations.
Vanderburgh County in Indiana is moving to address data center development through a proposed ordinance that would establish a five-person study group to research the topic and implement a six-month pause on data center permits. The Vanderburgh County Area Plan Commission is scheduled to consider this ordinance at its meeting on August 6.
This initiative follows similar efforts in neighboring Posey and Warrick Counties, which are drafting their own regulations for data centers. Joshua Claybourn, an attorney for municipalities, noted that in the absence of specific data center ordinances, general building permits and fire safety regulations would still apply, alongside existing industrial zoning codes.
City of Evansville Council President Ben Trockman stated that Evansville currently has no plans for such an ordinance, citing a lack of suitable space for large developments within the city. Resident Christopher Newman advocated for a regional approach to data center oversight, highlighting that utilities, developers, and economic development organizations operate regionally, while individual counties are addressing the issue separately. Vanderburgh County Commission President Justin Elpers has forwarded Newman's regional work group proposal to the Area Plan Commission for consideration.