Richfield planning commission urges study, then ban, on data centers; council to weigh options

At a series of recent work sessions and in an update to council on April 7, Planning & Zoning Director Frantz said the Planning Commission voted to prohibit data centers in its draft zoning code and requested that Village Council determine whether to accept that prohibition and to authorize further research explaining the reasons related to health, safety and general welfare.

Frantz told council the motion was unanimous and that the commission wants either council or the commission to produce the documentation supporting any prohibition. Councilmembers raised immediate questions about definitions and economic tradeoffs: Councilmember Kruszynski warned that an outright ban could "leave money on the table" and suggested limiting size or imposing a licensing fee as alternatives. Frantz said the village would first need a clear definition of "data center" before drafting enforceable language.

Councilmember Hudak and Mayor Wheeler noted that several existing Richfield businesses have on‑site server facilities and that the village currently has three medium‑sized data centers. Council discussion emphasized the need for a definition, a study of traffic, energy and environmental impacts, and a clear statement of the public‑health rationale before any code prohibition becomes law.

Frantz said referral legislation would be available at the next council meeting to further address the commission’s motion. The larger zoning code rewrite—covering home occupations, drive‑up services, flex space, warehousing, outdoor storage standards and the Crossroads District regulating plan—remains in active review and is expected to continue through the summer with a goal of finalizing the draft for adoption by the end of September 2026.