Planning commission favors conditional-use approach for data centers; council to consider zoning changes

At the forum Zoning Commissioner Nikki Wernicke told residents she recommended adding data centers and associated power-generating facilities to the permitted uses table as conditional uses in M (industrial) districts so planning commission retains authority to impose site-specific conditions and require notifications to nearby property owners.

Wernicke explained conditional-use review can impose setbacks, buffering, operating hours and noise or vibration limits tailored to the site. She and staff said existing development regulations (setbacks, landscape, building materials) and Defiance’s noise ordinance would still apply; the planning commission’s recommendation will be presented to city council at a scheduled discussion.