Approved Shawnee County resolution includes frameworks of potential data center proposals
The Shawnee County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution establishing new parameters for potential data center proposals. The resolution increases conditional use permit fees for intelligence industry sectors, including data centers, from $700 to $15,000, to cover the cost of county-hired experts for permit review. This proactive measure aims to equip the county with necessary expertise to evaluate complex data center applications without burdening taxpayers.
The Shawnee County Board of Commissioners in Topeka, Kansas, approved a resolution Thursday to establish new frameworks and increase permitting fees for potential data center proposals. The resolution specifically targets intelligence industry sectors, including data centers, energy storage, and solar conversion systems, by raising conditional use permit fees from $700 to $15,000. This fee increase will enable Shawnee County to hire independent experts in various fields, such as engineering, noise, pollution, water, and electrical, to thoroughly evaluate future development applications.
County Counselor Rich Eckert highlighted the technical complexity of permitting data centers, likening it to the difficulty of zoning landfills. He emphasized that the resolution allows the county to acquire the necessary specialized knowledge to make informed decisions, with the applicant bearing the cost, thereby protecting taxpayers. Eckert noted that while no formal applications have been filed yet, the county anticipates receiving a couple by year-end. During the meeting, a resident's comment led to an amendment, clarifying that the county, not the applicant, will determine the time-sensitivity of project reviews. Eckert stated the resolution was introduced early to ensure public transparency and define the process for future applications.