The Mexico Planning and Zoning Commission approved proposed ordinance language regulating data centers Tuesday.
The proposed ordinance would regulate the development of data centers within city …
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The Mexico Planning and Zoning Commission approved proposed ordinance language regulating data centers Tuesday.
The proposed ordinance would regulate the development of data centers within city limits. During his presentation to the commission by Drew Williford, deputy city manager, identified three main areas of concern that were taken into account: location, noise and utility usage.
Under the proposed ordinance, data center applicants must provide:
Before approving the proposed ordinance language, the commission amended the decommissioning bond requirements to shift the focus from demolition to nuisance abatement.
“This approach would proactively address both building and grounds maintenance, keeping the facility in good condition, even though it has been abandoned,” Williford said.
He added that the amendment creates a "less restrictive approach” that could make it easier for the city to sell the buildings and prevent them from deteriorating.
The proposed ordinance would allow data centers as an additional use only within the I-1 Light Industrial District and I-2 Heavy Industrial District.
On Aug. 24, the Mexico City Council approved a 90-day moratorium on considering data center projects with the goal of establishing a public process for evaluating data center projects based on reasonable, measurable and enforceable standards.
Williford said the Planning and Zoning Commission needed to approve the proposed ordinance language so it could be presented to the city council before the 90-day moratorium expires in late November.
The amended ordinance is scheduled to be presented to the city council as a staff report first during the Oct. 26 meeting. No formal action on the ordinance is scheduled that night.
“We're trying to do our very best to make sure everyone's aware of this and invite public comment,” Williford said.
The proposed ordinance is expected to return to the City Council for approval in November.
Commissioners Dave Wilburn, Jim Dye, Mike Beardslee and Craig Kimbel voted to approve the amended version of the proposed ordinance. Commissioner Betty Jo Sydenstricker was absent.
Find more details in the Oct. 21 edition of The Mexico Ledger
