Plan commission narrows as‑of‑right permissions for data centers but stops short of blanket ban

The Logansport Plan Commission on June 8 voted to forward to the city council a package of amendments (File 2606) that remove as‑of‑right permissions for data processing and data centers in many residential and commercial districts and keep a path for special‑exception review in a limited set of districts.

Planning staff Erin told the commission the intent is to be proactive: no applications had been filed, but the rapid growth of data‑center proposals nationally has prompted the commission to eliminate automatic permitting in downtown and residential areas. Under the motion approved by the commission, data processing facilities would be allowed only by special exception in agricultural, ag‑business and industrial districts (AG, AB, I1, I2, LGI) and would be not allowed in open‑space, residential and most business districts (NB, B2, B3, B4, LGC).

Public commenters raised environmental, noise, lighting and water‑use concerns. Jason Plamer of 1243 College Street asked what would happen if a majority of local residents opposed a proposal; staff explained an applicant could still seek relief through the board of zoning appeals, which holds public hearings and can deny an application. Multiple residents recounted worries about groundwater quality, local wildlife impacts and claims they tied to large facilities elsewhere.

Board debate highlighted a split: several commissioners supported a highly restrictive approach to discourage mega‑scale data centers; others warned that a blanket prohibition would also block smaller, locally appropriate data‑processing businesses (for example, credit‑card or medical‑record processors) that create jobs and tax revenue. A motion to make all previously special‑exception districts 'not permitted' failed for lack of a second. The commission ultimately approved the staff’s presented version of 2606 by roll‑call vote (six yes, one no).

The commission’s recommendation will be transmitted to the Logansport City Council for formal public hearings and final action. Staff said the ordinance committee will continue to draft more detailed standards and that the current vote is intended to prevent as‑of‑right siting while standards are finalized.