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Boardman PAC debates subdistricts for data centers and asks consultants to strengthen landscaping standards
Summary
PAC members cautioned against many overlay/subdistricts and urged standards-based approaches; city staff noted DLCD rules tied to targeted industries may require explicit protections for land added to the UGB, and PAC asked consultants to add material on landscaping.
PAC members and planning staff debated whether to create a specific "data-center subdistrict" or to allow data centers as an allowed use subject to objective standards. Several planners warned that numerous overlays and subdistricts can be brittle as industries evolve, and urged a standards-based approach instead.
"I have concerns about creating more subdistricts... getting away from subdistricts and going to more of a design standard or use is allowed," said Stephanie, a planner on the call. She and others argued that design standards could accommodate changing industry needs without creating rigid overlays.
City staff cautioned that state implementation of targeted-industry rules can require that land added to the UGB for a named target be reserved for that use. "If our EOA says 625 acres for data centers, then as we add 625 acres, we add those 625 acres for data centers," staff said, explaining why some explicit protections or definitions may be legally necessary. PAC members also asked consultants to include a short, practical review of landscaping standards to improve aesthetics and buffering; staff requested "0.5 a page about landscaping" be added to code recommendations.
Consultants said they will consider a dual approach (clear objective standards vs. conditional review) and revise the comp-plan/code material to reflect PAC preferences and statutory constraints.
