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Whitestown takes first readings on UDO updates, including data‑center rules and parking changes
Summary
Council held first readings on multiple Unified Development Ordinance chapters, including new three‑tier data‑center rules, outdoor storage surfacing, definitions and landscape standards, and a parking standard for data centers; plan commission asked staff to examine noise standards further.
The Town of Whitestown held the first reading of a package of updates to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) covering multiple chapters intended to modernize development guidance.
Todd Barker, director of development services, said Chapter 2 amendments establish a three‑tier approach for data centers with size‑based limitations and development standards to guide where and how data centers may locate. Barker said the plan commission recommended forward movement on the amendments but asked staff to continue work on proposed noise standards before formal adoption.
Other first‑reading items include a Chapter 3 clarification requiring outdoor vehicle storage and displays to be on paved or concrete surfaces; Chapter 4 clarifications to definitions (structures vs. accessory structures) and screening requirements for dumpsters and utility enclosures; Chapter 5 additions to require foundation plantings around buildings and signs; and a Chapter 7 amendment to set specific parking counts for data centers so those facilities are not required to provide typical industrial parking levels that exceed their staffing needs.
Barker framed the package as a proactive update: "As we've all heard, data centers are popping up a little bit of everywhere. So we wanted to try to be ahead of the curve and make sure we had some guidance in the UDO..." He noted plan‑commission input on noise and said staff will return with refinements.
These items were taken as first readings only; no final votes were held. Staff and the plan commission will continue technical review and return with recommended final language at a future meeting.
