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Staff previews proposed zoning rules for data centers, differentiates crypto mining
Summary
Planning staff presented draft zoning concepts for data centers — including micro data centers and crypto‑mining facilities — and said proposed ordinance language (definitions, special use rules, development standards and decommissioning requirements) will be drafted for commission review.
City staff on April 9 provided an informational presentation about data centers and signaled that staff will prepare zoning text amendments to define and regulate data centers and micro data centers in Dickinson.
Why it matters: Data centers can consume substantial electricity and, in some models, water for cooling; they can generate continuous noise from cooling equipment, physical security needs, and normally produce low employment density. The city currently has no explicit definition for data centers in its zoning code; proposed changes would create definitions, permit data centers as a special use in appropriate districts, set application and development standards and address decommissioning/abandonment.
Presentation highlights
Steve Josephson, city/county planner, said data centers are facilities that house networked computer systems, backup power generators, batteries and cooling systems and that they vary widely — from small “micro” units to large colocation facilities. Josephson emphasized the difference between data centers and dedicated cryptocurrency mining operations, noting miners typically demand cheap electricity, are more likely to deploy large cooling systems and can generate continuous noise from external cooling equipment. He cited a crypto facility example in Ellendale that prompted local ordinance development due to noise and siting concerns.
Proposed zoning approach
Josephson told the commission staff plans to draft zoning text amendments that would: add definitions for micro data centers and data centers; allow data centers as a special use in General Commercial and General Industrial districts; require application materials and development/performance standards (for example, screening of mechanical equipment, noise/acoustic studies when appropriate, and provisions for backup power siting); and establish decommissioning or cessation‑of‑operations rules so property owners are responsible for site restoration when a facility is abandoned.
Next steps
Staff will prepare ordinance language and present it to the planning and zoning commission for workshop review and possible public hearing. Josephson said Stark County is also preparing similar ordinance language and staff has reviewed ordinances from other jurisdictions (including a South Dakota example) to inform Dickinson’s draft. No formal action was taken at the April 9 meeting.
