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Committee backs ordinance to preclude data centers now, leaving future permission options
Summary
The committee voted to recommend ordinance 2026-6 to the council to preclude data centers in many zoning districts now, citing concerns about water use, electricity demand and limited local benefits; staff said the town can later identify suitable zones or special-permit criteria if it chooses to allow them.
The Lincoln Ordinance Committee recommended the council adopt ordinance 2026-6, which would preclude data centers in most zoning districts unless the town later amends the code.
A committee member who brought the proposal said community resources — especially limited water and electricity — and the likely low local employment at large data facilities justify a pre-emptive approach. "They use a lot of water and electricity. They hardly employ anybody," the committee member said, arguing the town should get ahead of potential applications. A staff presenter said she had worked with model language used by neighboring Smithfield and recommended adopting similar wording now to preserve local control and permit future zoning adjustments if the town wished.
The planning board previously reviewed the proposal and voted 6–0 to recommend it. Committee members discussed the option of allowing data centers later by changing zoning districts or using special-use permits that would include specific permit criteria. After discussion, a committee member moved to recommend the ordinance to the full council; the motion carried.
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