Sterling Plan Commission takes up data center discussion

The Sterling Plan Commission has initiated discussions concerning a draft ordinance aimed at outlining the city's requirements for data centers and battery energy storage systems (BESS). City Planner Dustin Wolff presented the preliminary ordinance at the July 23 meeting, indicating that the city's current zoning code does not accommodate such facilities and would require amendments to allow their development.

The 23-page draft ordinance provides definitions for various sizes of data centers, ranging from small telecom/edge facilities to large hyperscale campuses. It also establishes comprehensive standards for essential utilities, including electrical power, water, sewer, noise mitigation, traffic management, and the overall application process for companies seeking to locate these facilities in Sterling.

Sterling Fire Chief David Northcutt and building and zoning superintendent Amanda Schmidt confirmed that companies interested in BESS facilities have already approached communities west of Sterling and, more generally, shown interest in the area. Wolff clarified that the current discussion is a foundational step for review and consideration, emphasizing that more detailed work is needed before scheduling any formal public hearings.

City attorney Tim Zollinger underscored the reality that data centers and BESS facilities are actively seeking locations in northwest Illinois. He framed the city's decision as a policy choice: to proactively plan for these developments or to maintain a stance that discourages them. Zollinger also noted that the review and approval process for such projects typically spans 12 to 18 months.