Akron is considering a new review process for future data centers, which would evaluate proposals and consider the impact on nearby residents. The revised process would allow city officials to assess the potential disruptions caused by data centers, including noise projections and environmental concerns.
New Review Process
The Akron Planning Commission will discuss creating a zoning ordinance that would make data centers a city land use, requiring conditional-use approval before construction. The commission would review each proposal, making recommendations and suggestions for conditions the center should adhere to, before forwarding the application to the Akron City Council.
The city’s current zoning code does not have an explicit definition of a data center, and officials feel that a new process is needed to protect residents and ensure proper land use. The proposed review process would require data centers to provide information on their potential impact, including effects on nearby residences, schools, and daycare centers.
The new requirements would not apply to existing data centers looking to expand. The city’s planning director, Kyle Julien, stated that the goal is to be more prescriptive about data center locations, considering factors such as proximity to residential areas.
Original reporting: Signal Akron — read the source article.
