Planning commission backs one-year moratorium and industrial classification for data centers

The Shelbyville Planning Commission voted to recommend a one-year moratorium on data-center uses and separately forwarded an ordinance that would define "data center" and place that use in an I3 heavy-industrial category.

Tom told the commission the city currently lacks a specific classification for data centers and that many other jurisdictions have used moratoria to create definitions and standards. "The moratorum states that during that time period it's for one year [and] allows council to extend that as necessary," staff said, adding the moratorium is intended to give council and staff time to study the issue and develop supplementary regulations.

Commissioners discussed the draft definition and the mechanics of placing data centers in the table of uses under I3 (heavy industrial) so setbacks and supplementary regulations can be applied. The commission voted by roll call to recommend the one-year moratorium and, in a separate vote, to forward the ordinance defining and classifying data centers; both votes were unanimous among members present.

If City Council approves the moratorium and proceeds with the ordinance, staff will return with recommended supplementary regulations and carefully tailored definitions for council readings and the required public hearing.