Interim Development Control Overlay #89 "Data Centers" and Zoning Study
News ClipCity of Cincinnati (.gov)·Cincinnati, Hamilton County, OH·2/14/2026
The City of Cincinnati has approved a three-month Interim Development Control (IDC) Overlay District No. 89 to temporarily regulate the development of new or expanded data centers while the city's Department of City Planning and Engagement conducts a zoning study to propose changes to the zoning code for future data center development. The proposed IDC Overlay District encompasses over 22,000 individual parcels in the city's zoning districts that currently allow indoor storage, as data centers are currently classified. The city is aiming to establish a formal definition for data centers and make recommendations for potential zoning code amendments.
zoningannouncementgovernment
Gov: City of Cincinnati, Department of City Planning and Engagement, City Council, City Planning Commission
The City of Cincinnati has initiated a zoning study and an Interim Development Control (IDC) Overlay District in response to the rapid construction of new data centers. The IDC Overlay District covers over 22,000 parcels zoned for indoor storage, as data centers are currently classified. The purpose is to temporarily regulate data center development while the city studies potential zoning code changes. The City Planning Commission and City Council have approved the zoning study and IDC, which will run for three months initially. City planners will engage the public and make recommendations to the City Planning Commission, who may extend the IDC for nine more months.