Wildwood is implementing a forward-thinking strategy for managing data centers before any applications are submitted.
The proposed legislation aims to establish clear definitions for data centers, restrict their placement, and establish operational requirements and structural specifications.
Data centers are structures designed for storing, managing, processing or transferring digital information and data of any kind.
In recent years, artificial intelligence and the data centers that support it have been frequent topics in news coverage, online discussions and community conversations, according to Joe Vujnich, the city’s Planning and Parks director.
An advisory committee of residents was assembled to examine current zoning rules and confirm that this type of facility would protect Wildwood’s interests and environmental quality.
According to the new regulations, data centers may only operate in the M3 Planned Industrial District, which encompasses Wildwood’s portion of Chesterfield Valley. These facilities will need conditional use approval and must satisfy standards for power usage, illumination intensity, stormwater handling and sound control.
“These performance standards are sensible and provide adequate safeguards for the community and nature should these facilities be built in Wildwood’s industrial zone,” Vujnich explained.
The Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Commission held a community hearing on January 21, at which they voted to endorse the zoning ordinance modifications.
On May 11, the City Council held its own public hearing on the matter.
Data centers will be restricted to the city’s industrial zone and overseen through rezoning requests and conditional use permits, Vujnich noted.
Ward 4 Council member Katie Dodwell expressed satisfaction that the city would not be responsible for covering utility expenses or managing water consumption by these operations.
Regarding data center approval, City Attorney John Young stated, “The city lacks the authority to prohibit them entirely, so establishing clear rules represents the best course of action.”
Council members approved the zoning ordinance updates, which include new language and standards for data centers in the planned industrial district.
