Council moves to create business-license category for data centers, to require special exception

Council member Clint (S3) reported he and staff reviewed the business license ordinance and recommended adding a distinct category for data centers. "Data centers are not industries by their nexus code... technically, data center didn't fit into that mold," Clint said, and he recommended that such facilities should either require a special exception or be located in an industrial park.

Mayor (S1) said the zoning changes would not affect a proposed project outside city limits but that city staff will continue drafting rules and review what other municipalities have done. The council discussed aligning licensing and zoning so data centers would be subject to clear regulatory steps and community input.