Waterford Officials Draft Ordinances to Restrict Future Data Centers
Waterford Township officials are drafting new zoning ordinances to make it more difficult for data centers to be built locally. This initiative stems from concerns about the high energy and water consumption associated with these facilities. The Planning Commission aims to deter data center development by implementing strict regulations, similar to a successful effort to limit solar farms in the past.
Waterford Township officials are in the process of drafting new zoning regulations aimed at making it more challenging for data centers to establish operations within the locality. The Waterford Township Planning Commission initiated this process during a recent meeting, driven by concerns regarding the significant energy and water consumption and potential environmental impacts associated with data center facilities.
Planning Commission member Bill Phillips highlighted the anticipated high costs of electricity and water. Another member, Matt Erickson, indicated that the goal is to implement zoning regulations strict enough to make the area unattractive for data center developers. This approach mirrors a past successful effort in 2025 where similar ordinances were created to limit solar farm installations, resulting in no solar farms being built in Waterford while they appeared in neighboring communities.
While current officials are not aware of any companies specifically interested in developing data centers in the region, the proactive measure is intended to get ahead of potential future proposals. Further drafting of these ordinances will occur in upcoming Planning Commission meetings. Once finalized and voted upon by the Commission, the draft will advance to the Waterford Township Supervisors for final approval or denial.