Commissioners take revised data-center ordinance under advisement after public comment

Corey Roser presented revisions to the county—s draft data-center ordinance, showing both a red-lined and a final version posted on the county website. Roser said the revisions add definitions for "telecommunication services and distributed antenna systems" and for "uplight," clarify how setbacks from residential dwellings will be measured, require a 1,500-foot setback from any church, school, hospital or nursing home and from the foundation of a primary structure within a major residential subdivision, update lighting plans to Dark Sky standards and add a construction-schedule requirement.

Commissioner Mark Horner moved to take the revised ordinance under advisement; Commissioner Brenda Weaver seconded and the motion passed 3-0. Tim Fisher asked whether additional changes could be made if further concerns are raised; Roser said commissioners may make further changes prior to a final vote and that changes would not necessarily need to return to the Plan Commission first. Public comments at the meeting also included concern about special-exception procedures for data centers when those matters go to the Board of Zoning Appeals.