Penalties in Bloomington's draft data center regulations follow current city zoning rules
Bloomington is considering draft regulations for data centers that would address reporting, electricity and water use, decommissioning, noise and vibration. The city says it will rely on existing zoning violation fines rather than create a new penalty structure, with public hearings scheduled before the City Council considers the rules on Nov. 23.
Bloomington’s proposed data center regulations would divide facilities into accessory, commercial and hyperscale categories and impose requirements related to operations, decommissioning, electricity, water, noise and vibration. Hyperscale projects would require a special use permit, while smaller facilities would not. Violations could be pursued in administrative or circuit court, and existing zoning fines of $100 to $750 per day would remain in effect.
City Manager Jeff Jurgens said the city wants the regulations to have enforceable penalties, while a city spokesperson said Bloomington does not plan to create a new fine or fee structure. Two public hearings are scheduled before staff revise the draft, with the City Council expected to act Nov. 23. The decision will come shortly before Bloomington’s six-month moratorium on new data center proposals is set to expire; Normal has extended its own moratorium, while Bloomington officials have not indicated that they expect to do so.