The Linn County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to consider a new ordinance regulating data center development when it meets Wednesday.
The first draft says such large-scale projects need to include a study to determine if there is enough water to support the development. Charlie Nichols, the county’s planning and development director, says one goal is for the county to have approval authority over data center projects.
The ordinance also requires the developer to sign a water use agreement with the county to establish expectations for ongoing water use. Stacey Bakker (BOCK-er), who lives in unincorporated Linn County, says the ordinance doesn’t consider long-term agricultural impacts.
In addition to the agreements, the draft ordinance includes regulations related to building setbacks, noise, emergency response planning, and road use.
story courtesy of Radio Iowa
