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Plan Commission outlines draft data-center rules: cooling, drainage, utility and environmental checks
Summary
Commissioners discussed detailed draft ordinance language for data centers, including permitting by special exception, closed‑loop cooling only, underground utilities, fire-department notification, drainage plans, and environmental review for facilities over 100,000 sq ft.
Commission members spent a substantial portion of their March 11 meeting discussing draft ordinance language governing data centers. Brad Fruth summarized proposed requirements the committee has discussed as part of the ordinance-drafting process: "Only permitted by Special Exception," "Only closed-loop water or air cooled," and that "Utilities must run underground," among other items. He said the committee has reviewed applicable state requirements and is balancing additional local rules with state oversight.
The commission also flagged procedural elements for permitting and construction: structures must meet state building-code requirements and receive Developmental Plan Review approval before construction, INDOT must be notified for certain projects, energy company letters are required, drainage plans must be submitted, and facilities exceeding 100,000 square feet should undergo an environmental impact study. Commissioners discussed noise limits and whether a data center should ever be allowed to operate entirely on generators; Dann Hunt said the ordinance should include a requirement to tie into the electrical grid rather than permit 100% generator reliance.
No final ordinance was adopted; the commission intends to continue drafting and will hold a required public hearing in April related to moratorium considerations and the ordinance timeline.
