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Planning commission opens process on data-center rules, members favor size-tiered approach
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Summary
The Whitley County Planning Commission began drafting a local data-center ordinance April 15, reviewing three options ranging from a simple special-exception definition to a detailed, multi-standard code. Commissioners generally favored a moderate, size- and impact-based approach and asked staff to prepare draft language and examples for future workshops.
The Whitley County Planning Commission on April 15 began a multi-meeting effort to create a local data-center code, with planning staff presenting three regulatory options and commissioners expressing broad support for a moderate, size-based approach that would differentiate small facilities from large, utility-intensive projects.
Nathan, county planning staff, outlined three approaches: (1) a narrow, quick fix that defines data centers and places them into heavy industrial zoning with special exceptions; (2) a moderate, tiered approach that permits smaller facilities while requiring special exception or rezoning for larger sites; and (3) a highly detailed ordinance addressing types of data centers, water and power use, setbacks and employment standards. Nathan said many Indiana counties have used either option 1 or 2 and that a moderate option could balance local control with flexibility if the state later enacts its own standards.
Commissioners raised concerns about water and power usage, employment benefits and the possibility that a highly prescriptive local code could be overtaken by future state legislation. One commissioner urged a more exhaustive approach, saying, “I personally think we should go with option 3 and just go above and beyond because I've heard not good things from the standpoint of ... water usage, electricity.” Another commissioner said a size-based approach seemed more practical and noted that smaller facilities can have very modest footprints and employment.
Members discussed process options — staff-prepared proposals, ad hoc committees, or public workshops — and asked staff to compile examples of ordinances from other counties, including more detailed standards where used. Nathan agreed to prepare draft language and materials for an upcoming meeting or a workshop-format session so commissioners and the public can weigh in.
Why it matters: data centers vary widely in scale and local impacts — from small, low-employment facilities to large operations with significant power and water needs. Establishing a local regulatory framework now, before proposals arrive, gives Whitley County a chance to set siting rules and development standards aligned with local priorities.
What’s next: staff will assemble example ordinances and draft options (the presentation suggested staff could bring a preliminary, narrow definition as early as next month and more detailed material for the following meeting) and present them in a workshop or regular meeting for further direction.
