City lays out next steps for potential data center regulations in Rockford
Rockford officials are beginning a months-long process to create data center-specific zoning regulations addressing noise, water use, air quality and electricity infrastructure. The effort is proceeding during a six-month data center development moratorium, although a potential Monarch Energy project is exempt because of a prior annexation agreement.
Rockford’s Code and Regulation Committee is scheduled to consider advancing proposed data center regulations to the city’s Zoning Board of Appeals for public comment. The proposed rules would establish data centers as a distinct land-use category rather than treating them as general high-technology centers, with considerations including noise, water consumption, air quality and electricity infrastructure.
The regulatory review is taking place about two months into a six-month moratorium approved by the Rockford City Council on Aug. 3. The moratorium does not cover land tied to Monarch Energy’s potential hyperscale data center because of a preexisting annexation agreement. Monarch has not provided a public construction timeline, and the cancellation of its transmission services agreement with ComEd has delayed the project.