Zoning decisions, rezoning requests, and land use actions affecting data center development across the United States. Data Center Signal is tracking 3,602 clips related to zoning across all 50 states.
A Pennsylvania State House Bill aims to protect communities from the impacts of data center development. Republican State Representative Shelby Labs reportedly voted against this proposed legislation.
Lubbock mayoral candidate Stephen Sanders is skeptical of hyperscale data center proposals, advocating for mandatory water and energy consumption disclosure and comprehensive impact studies before approval. He believes Lubbock is not ready for such large-scale developments due to water constraints and grid stability concerns. The candidate's stance follows a rejected data center proposal in northeast Lubbock that the developer plans to resubmit.
Lubbock mayoral candidate Mark McBrayer outlined strict criteria for future data center approvals after a hyperscale proposal was rejected and withdrawn. He stated a cautious approach, prioritizing low water/energy consumption, remote locations, no large tax abatements, and pre-secured occupants. The city council is carefully evaluating data center impacts on other cities.
Decatur Township residents in Indianapolis have filed a lawsuit seeking judicial review of a zoning decision that approved a $4 billion data center campus by Sabey Data Center Properties. The residents cite concerns about electricity and water usage, potential noise, and environmental impacts, arguing the project doesn't align with the city's comprehensive plan. This legal challenge follows the Metropolitan Development Commission's approval of the 250MW facility, which did not require a full rezoning.
A data center rezoning in Prince William County, Virginia, has been legally declared "void ab initio", meaning it is invalid from its inception. This ruling represents a significant legal setback for the data center development.
Pennsylvania lawmakers are proposing several bills to regulate data centers, introducing transparency measures for energy and water usage, and preventing construction costs from being passed to consumers. Meanwhile, community groups are actively demanding a three-year moratorium on new data center developments across the state due to concerns over energy bills, noise, and water pollution. The future of these proposed guardrails and the moratorium demand remains uncertain within the state legislature.
Pittsylvania County officials have revealed details about an AI data center project by Stack Infrastructure at the Berry Hill megasite, promising over 2,000 permanent jobs and significant investment. At a community meeting, officials addressed public concerns regarding job creation, electric rates, and water usage, clarifying the project's limited impact on local ratepayers and water resources. A draft performance agreement for the project is expected to be finalized within two weeks.
The Urbana City Council unanimously voted to begin the process of repealing a zoning ordinance that currently permits data centers in M1 light industrial zones. The City Law Director, Mark Feinstein, has been directed to draft the necessary documents for review by the Council and subsequent action by the Planning Commission. A subcommittee has also been formed to study the impacts and benefits of data center development in the city.
Guadalupe County Commissioners approved a development agreement and tax abatement for a multi-billion-dollar CloudBurst data center campus, despite significant public opposition. The decision, made in a 3-2 vote, came after four hours of public comment and debate, following an earlier deferral of the item.
A proposed data center by Beltline Energy in Piedmont, Oklahoma, is stirring controversy among residents concerned about water use, noise pollution, and the city's zoning changes. While the Piedmont City Council has already created an Industrial Technology Zoning District for the project, residents and some officials are questioning the process and potential impacts ahead of further consideration. The project is currently making its way through the city's approval process.
The Franklin County Planning and Zoning Commission voted to recommend rezoning for a data center near Villa Ridge and Diamond Farms, but did not recommend a rezoning request for another data center near Pacific and Crooked Creek. The final decision for both projects rests with the Franklin County Commission.
Marshall County Commissioners in Indiana have enacted a permanent ban on data centers, replacing a previous one-year moratorium. The commissioners also imposed strict new regulations on large-scale solar and battery energy storage developments. This decisive move aims to protect the county's agricultural landscape and addresses safety concerns regarding energy infrastructure.
The Franklin County Planning and Zoning Commission has made decisions on two separate data center proposals. One proposal received the commission's backing, while the other was rejected. Both proposals will now advance to the Franklin County Commissioners for their final review and decision.
Zydeco Development has withdrawn its application for a 70-megawatt data center in Hutto, Texas, due to significant community opposition. Residents voiced concerns over zoning, environmental impacts, noise, and demands on electricity and water resources. This outcome has spurred local groups to pursue a city ordinance to restrict future data center developments near residential areas.
Marshall County, Indiana, commissioners have approved a permanent ban on data centers, which county leaders believe is the first of its kind in the state. This action reflects concerns over land use, infrastructure, and safety risks. The county also advanced new restrictions on solar projects and approved rules for battery storage systems.
The St. Louis Board of Public Service unanimously approved the Armory Innovation Data Center project, converting a former Famous-Barr warehouse into a hyperscale AI data center. The decision came amid public opposition and scrutiny over Mayor Cara Spencer's dealings with a top campaign donor during a London trade mission. The agreement includes a $15.75 million community fund contribution and renewable energy requirements.
The City of St. Louis has approved its largest proposed data center project. This decision was made without public comment and while Mayor Cara Spencer was abroad on a London trade mission.
Linda Hutchins-Knowles highlights three climate actions, including slowing high-impact development like data centers, in San José, California. Residents are concerned about the rapid development of 34 data center projects, which raise issues regarding electricity and water use, air pollution, noise, and heat. They are demanding public accountability and stronger community engagement from the city.
Six Republican gubernatorial candidates in South Carolina debated various topics, including the contentious issue of data centers. Most candidates expressed conditional support for data centers, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations regarding their energy and water consumption, and ensuring local community input. One candidate, Rom Reddy, voiced total opposition to data centers in the state.
Sioux Falls City Council candidates discussed their positions on data center development, addressing concerns about zoning, electricity rates, and water usage. One candidate sponsored an amendment restricting water use, while another highlighted a failed public campaign to repeal a data center rezoning vote.