Special Data Center Committee Meeting: 6/9/26
MEETING: Citizens’ Advisory Committee on Data Center Development
Date: 6/9/2026
Recorder: Cathy Cooper
BACKGROUND:
Provide relevant links and/or context for the meeting.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT AGENDA ITEMS AND KEY POINTS:
Charlie Nichol is a guest presenter from Linn County, IA. His county has developed specific ordinances related to data center development. Goal is to be proactive. No data centers approved to date. Required significant input from experts and consultants with cost approved by county government. Linn County Zoning Department has a staff of 15. They charge a significant zoning fee ($10Ks) for developers to cover costs of impact studies. Define two categories of data center: traditional, smaller with specific focus vs hyperscale.
Kayla Brooks presentation
Zoning ordinances and zoning maps dictate what can be done to land in the county at the present time.
In contrast, the comprehensive plan is long term (20years) guide to what can be done. Goal is to control sprawl. Future land use zoning maps not applicable in the immediate present.
Different industrial districts in Hancock County: Industrial general, Industrial light, Industrial business park. Other zoning districts: Institutional districts, Commercial regional, Commercial community zoning also presented.
Rhonda Cook Legal: reviewed bare bones definition of data center which needs to further be defined by this committee.
Recommended to include in the overlay regulations in the ordinance:
· Letter of intent submitted by developer
· Reviewed by BOC. Adopt a declaratory finding as to whether it is consistent with county comprehensive plan and will provide benefit to community
· Pre application review by Planning director, review by board of zoning
· Public hearing
· BOC adapt a confirmatory resolution
· Permit issued to developer
Committee discussion on points to consider going forward:
· Not much land left that is IG. Discussion to add IL zone for data centers.
· What is to be included in the letter of intent
· Define categories of data centers.
· Decommissioning of data center requirements
· Water use: Since 2012, local residents have not had control over water resources, and no state laws regulate water use.
ADDITIONAL INSIGHTS, NOTES, FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS:
Next BOC meeting June 16.
Next Citizens’ Advisory Committee July 1
