Council tables proposal to add 'data center' as permitted I‑1 use, asks staff for appeal process
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Summary
Council voted 7‑0 to table an ordinance that would explicitly permit data centers in I‑1 zoning until staff outlines an appeal/approval process and confirms how utilities (power/water) will be preapproved; council members said residents must have a path to appeal decisions to a public body.
The council voted unanimously to table proposed code language that would add "data center" as a permitted use in I‑1 (restrictive manufacturing and warehouse) zoning, asking staff to review approval and appeal procedures and coordinate with public utilities on resource‑impact requirements.
Staff described data centers as similar to Bitcoin mining operations the city has addressed previously: both can require substantial electricity, cooling and water supplies. The proposed language would require preapproval from PSO (or the electric provider) to show adequate power and approval from the public utilities director for water service before a data center could proceed.
Council members pushed for an explicit appeal route beyond administrative staff review so that denials or resource constraints could be reviewed by a public body or in district court if needed. One council member asked staff to incorporate an appeal process; another moved to table the measure for additional review. The motion to table carried 7‑0.
A staff member recommended working with Richard Rogowski, who has relevant experience; the planning director signaled a personal conflict, saying, "I refuse to to work with Richard Rogowski," and asked staff to seek alternatives while still consulting his information.
Why it matters: adding data centers to permitted uses could speed approvals for high‑demand facilities but raises concerns about municipal capacity (water and power) and public oversight; council sought further procedural safeguards before deciding.
What's next: staff will review the proposal, check appeal avenues and preapproval steps (including PSO and public utilities assessments), and return with revised language and procedural safeguards for council consideration.