Committee forwards data-center zoning definition and special-use requirement to ZBA

The McLean County Land Use and Transportation Committee voted unanimously on Sept. 2, 2025 to forward a proposed text amendment that would define "data centers" in the county zoning ordinance and require a special-use permit for such facilities in agriculture, commercial, M1 and M2 districts. The committee described the vote as creating a permitting pathway and said more detailed use standards could be crafted later.

County staff said the draft is a placeholder requested by Chair Leah Klein after residents raised concerns about the potential for data centers in rural areas and recent changes in state law that could make some cooling methods more feasible. The draft includes a definition tied to pollution-control and noise expectations derived from Illinois Pollution Control Board standards and establishes an initial use standard labeled "FFF," with further technical standards to be added later if desired.

Member Duffy moved the item and Member Abel seconded. Committee members asked how noise would be measured; staff explained that noise standards are complex and depend on zoning districts and nearby uses, with stricter limits near residential areas. The committee noted there is not an imminent data-center application but that the ordinance change is intended to provide a permitting process if applicants pursue such facilities in the county.

Committee members said the item will be publicized in the newspaper, heard by the Zoning Board of Appeals at its next hearing, and then returned to the County Board with the ZBA's recommendation. No additional standards or conditions were adopted at this committee meeting.