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Commission continues drafting data center regulations; discusses overlay siting, power and mitigation
Summary
Commissioners discussed a draft of county data center regulations — including using an overlay district, siting criteria requiring proximity to 230 kV lines and paved roads, protections for agricultural land, requirements for lighting, sound and vibration mitigation, and backup power/security measures — and agreed to review an updated draft June 18.
Pottawatomie County Planning Commission members spent a substantial portion of their May 21 meeting discussing a draft set of regulations for data centers. Chair Judd McCormack updated the commission on prior discussions and said the draft treats data centers as an overlay district; he suggested "only one data center overlay for the entire county." Commissioners discussed defining a data center, overlay size and number, and specific siting criteria including placement within 1,000 feet of an existing 230 kV transmission line and on paved roads.
Commissioner Travis Ross urged that data centers be sited in manufacturing or industrial areas to limit loss of agricultural land. Commissioners examined technical and operational items including lighting and glare controls, sound and vibration mitigation (Lynn Schwandt suggested vibration-reducing measures for equipment), and back-up power options such as generators and battery systems. Security measures including fencing and video surveillance were also mentioned. The commission noted there will be a public hearing after the draft is finalized and that the group will review an updated draft at its June 18 meeting.
No public comments were recorded on the data center discussion at this meeting. Planning staff demonstrated how members of the public can access meeting materials on the county website and discussed options for collecting online public comment ahead of the required hearing. The commission’s continued drafting process indicates key siting, environmental and community-protection issues remain under development.
