Council adds data-center use to code, requires special-use permits in CI and I districts

The City Council approved an ordinance on May 13 to add a formal definition of "data center" to the zoning code and to place the use in industrial and commercial-industrial districts with additional conditions, including a council-reviewed special-use permit where the use would be in the CI and I districts.

Planning staff told the council the proposed definition covers enterprise-level, fully enclosed facilities for digital data storage, processing and network operations; the draft specifically excludes cryptocurrency mining and temporary or modular structures. Staff proposed standards addressing screening, architectural compatibility, minimum setbacks (100 feet from rights-of-way and sensitive uses such as residences, parks and schools), parking rules focused on administrative areas, and building-height allowances consistent with industrial zones.

The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval 4'0'''''''''''':0. Councilmembers expressed concern about allowing data centers by right and favored retaining council review. After discussion the council voted to approve the ordinance with the addition that a special-use permit be required in the CI and I districts so council can review individual proposals.

Why it matters: The ordinance creates a clear, content-neutral regulatory path for data centers while excluding uses with different operational profiles (crypto mining). Requiring an SUP for CI and I districts ensures council oversight of siting, utility needs and compatibility with adjacent uses.

What's next: Staff will incorporate the SUP requirement into the ordinance language, update the use table, and apply the standards to future permit applications in the affected zoning districts.