Rapid City Planning Commission tables data center ordinance update for 60 days
The Rapid City Planning Commission tabled a proposed update to its data center ordinance for 60 days to allow for further discussion. These changes aim to address concerns regarding noise, vibration, air pollution, water use, and electrical capacity for data centers previously approved in industrial zones.
The Rapid City Planning Commission voted to table a proposed ordinance update regarding data center regulations for 60 days. The city's Community Development Director, Vicki Fisher, explained that the amendments aim to establish new limits and requirements for data centers, which the City Council approved for light and heavy industrial zones two years prior. The proposed changes specifically address concerns over noise, vibration, air pollution, water use, and electrical capacity.
Industry representatives voiced concerns but largely supported the overall direction of the draft ordinance. Fisher highlighted the challenge of managing shared resources, particularly water availability, to prevent saturation in specific zones. The 60-day tabling period will allow the city to conduct an open house and a working session with council members before a final version of the ordinance is drafted, ensuring data centers do not strain local resources or negatively impact residential areas.