Zoning rules to be considered on placement of data centers in McLean County

The McLean County Zoning Board of Appeals has unanimously recommended an amendment to regulate the placement of data centers in the county. The new guidelines would only allow data centers to be built in manufacturing districts, addressing concerns about the impact on farmland. Data center proposals would need to provide details on water usage, energy input/output, and measures to mitigate visual impact. The county board is expected to consider the proposed data center guidelines at its next meeting. While the amendment would not apply to the cities of Bloomington and Normal, it aims to proactively prepare the county for potential data center development.