Plain City Council directs staff to double data-center setbacks, tables ordinance for more review

Plain City councilmembers on June 22 directed staff to revise the draft Chapter 1188 data-center ordinance to double all proposed setbacks — including a 2,000-foot setback for Big Darby Creek — and to broaden the code language so it applies to tributaries beyond the three specifically named in the draft. The council then voted to table the second reading of Ordinance 32-2026 to allow time for review.

The council discussion followed public comment from resident Julia Faeth, who warned of potential health and environmental effects and said the AEP transmission project “is proposed to serve one customer with an approximate 750 megawatt capacity, which is presumably a data center.” Council members including Aaron Lewis and Jim Eudaily signaled support for more protective setbacks and for making the code apply to additional tributaries as the village grows.

Development Director Jason Stanford told the council staff recommends stricter noise and vibration controls for data centers, proposing maximum daytime sound at 55 dBA and nighttime sound at 40 dBA measured at adjacent residential property lines, with equivalent dBC levels applied where appropriate. Stanford also recommended additional equipment screening, vibration isolation pads, and limits intended to prevent low-frequency indoor disturbances at nearby homes. Council members expressed support for the concepts but noted enforcement and testing responsibilities remain to be defined.

Council debated whether Planned Unit Developments should be eligible locations for data centers. Jim Eudaily said he would prefer limiting permitted locations to industrial zoning to avoid placing a data center inside developments intended principally for residential or mixed uses; Mr. Stanford noted many developments are submitted as PUDs and suggested conditional language allowing only "industrial" PUDs to host data centers.

On energy and generation, Mayor Jody Carney asked whether the village could require on-site generation. Stanford said the State of Ohio is still deliberating any such requirement; the draft village code would require a utility impact plan in any case. Council members agreed to wait for state-level determinations before adopting a local generation requirement.

Procedurally, Mr. Terry moved and Mr. Sintz seconded tabling the second reading of Ordinance 32-2026; the motion passed by unanimous consent. Staff was directed to draft the amendments discussed and circulate them to council and the public for additional review before the ordinance returns for further reading.