Sedgwick County begins 90-day review of data-center regulations; public hearings planned

Sedgwick County staff told commissioners the county is conducting a 90-day review of data-center development controls and will produce draft zoning language and public outreach opportunities before any regulatory changes are adopted.

County Counselor Justin Wagoner said the commission approved an interim development control resolution in January that expires April 17, and the county has contracted with the Berkeley Group to provide consulting services. The review is organized as three 30-day phases: a State of Practice report and updated white paper in the first 30 days, draft regulatory language in the second 30 days, and public hearings/Metropolitan Area Planning Commission consideration during the final 30 days.

Wagoner emphasized the pause means there are no pending zoning applications for data centers at the moment. He said any proposed code changes would also require city of Wichita adoption because of the joint zoning code. He and commissioners committed to over-communicating meeting and town-hall dates so constituents have an opportunity to weigh in during the consultant review.

Next steps: staff will publish a schedule of planning-commission and open-house opportunities and coordinate notification so commissioners can share dates with constituents.