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Northborough creates rules for small data centers, caps new builds at 5 MW after robust debate
Summary
After lengthy questions about electricity, water, noise and security, the town approved a zoning amendment that defines data‑processing uses, excludes large data centers, and allows limited data‑center projects by special permit subject to seven infrastructure and compatibility criteria; a proposed amendment to reduce the cap to 2.5 MW failed.
Article 53 amended the zoning code to add a definition for data processing and record storage while distinguishing those uses from a data center. Planning‑board presenter Bill Pierce explained the intent: allow modest server/colocation reuse of industrial buildings while preventing large “hyperscale” installations by requiring special‑permit review and imposing a…
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