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Planning commission backs tighter rules for data centers, creates separate telecommunications use
Summary
The Denison Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of a city-initiated zoning text amendment to restrict where data centers are allowed, require conditional-use review, and create a new telecommunications-facility category; staff will draft design standards in coming months and hold workshops.
Denison Planning and Zoning Commission members voted to recommend approval of a city-initiated zoning text amendment that would narrow where data centers are allowed and add a new "telecommunications facility" use to the zoning code.
Staff member (planning) introduced the amendment, citing outdated language in the 2009 ordinance and saying the change would remove a by-right allowance for data centers in multiple districts and instead limit the use to light and heavy industrial districts with a conditional-use permit. "This proposed text amendment...does not adequately account for the potential impacts or ensure compatibility with surrounding uses," the planner said during the presentation, and staff recommended approval while noting development standards will follow.
Commission members raised questions about how to draw a clear line between telecommunications facilities and modern data centers, and about operational impacts such as power consumption, noise and water use. "One of the things you can do to protect this...is really talk about the level of power consumption which these facilities use," the chair said, urging a technical threshold to distinguish uses. Commissioners discussed illustrative ranges; one member suggested a telecom facility might operate in the tens of kilowatts, while a small, community-serving data center could be up to a few megawatts.
Resident Mary Carum spoke at public comment to urge caution on siting and public-health concerns. "My health concerns are part of the concern that I have in putting stipulations in there that are gonna make it healthy for everybody," she said, and asked the commission to consider limiting the number or locations of data centers to preserve community character.
Staff said the amendment is intended to "close the loophole" now and to follow with development standards crafted by building, public works and fire-marshals' staff. The planner said staff hopes to begin workshops in June or July and formally notice standards by August. Committee member (S3) moved to recommend approval of amendments to sections 28.49 and 28.63 of the zoning ordinance; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.
The recommendation advances the amendment to the City Council for final action and directs staff to return with draft development standards and workshops outlining infrastructure and compatibility measures.
