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Plan commission recommends new data‑center zoning rules, staff stresses discretion and review requirements
Summary
The commission recommended a zoning text amendment that creates a Manufacturing Data Center (MDC) district and a land‑use definition for large field data centers; staff emphasized this is a proactive, discretionary framework requiring utility, noise and traffic information and a 500‑foot buffer from residentially zoned property. A resident urged a moratorium during public comment.
The Delavan Plan Commission voted to recommend a zoning text amendment that would add a new land‑use definition for large field data centers and create a Manufacturing Data Center (MDC) zoning district to guide future reviews.
"This proposed amendment is not being advanced in response to any specific project," Jackie Mish, the consulting city planner for the City of Delavan, told the commission. She said the draft is proactive: it would require applicants to submit detailed information about utility plans and operational capacity and allows the city to request noise, traffic and utility impact studies. The draft also calls for a 500‑foot separation from residentially zoned property and borrows bulk, landscaping and signage standards from the manufacturing heavy district.
Several members of the public spoke. Grace Herurie said most local residents oppose data centers and urged a moratorium on consideration of any data center near Delavan. Another commenter and staff clarified that establishing a district does not mean the city is "welcoming" data centers; rather, it provides a clearer regulatory path and gives the city discretion to deny projects that are incompatible with the comprehensive plan.
Commissioners discussed clarifying references to the manufacturing heavy district’s standards and asked staff to incorporate those cross‑references in the final text. After questions from the commission and no pending applicant, a motion to recommend approval carried on a voice vote.
The recommended amendment will move to the common council for action; staff emphasized that any future data center would still require comprehensive plan and zoning map amendments and site‑specific review.
