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WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — The Wausau City Council has approved a new city ordinance limiting where data centers could operate in city limits.
Mayor Doug Diny says he and other city leaders want to ensure the city is prepared when a developer comes forward, because they know the conversation is bound to happen sooner or later. “We want to get ahead of it. We don’t want to be [in a spot] where someone comes in and tries to [push through] something we aren’t ready for.”
The most restrictive part of the proposal limits data center development to areas zoned for heavy or medium industrial use. “If you look at the number of lots in the city that are 10+ acres, it’s pretty small. So, outside of the industrial park, we don’t have a lot of large parcels to [house those developments.]”
Developers would also be required to secure a Conditional Use Permit, or CUP, for their project. Meaning aspects such as water and power use, lighting, noise generation, and other elements could be regulated. He says that would be a way to keep as much local control over the projects as possible. He hopes other communities follow suit.
“If we are first to get an ordiance out there, start the conversation, hopefully our area communities will get on board with that. [Maybe] the County as well- there’s more open land space there, and we can’t control that but we can maybe set the standard,” said Diny.
The move comes as many communities have hit pause on data center development, including Dane, Door, and Manitowoc Counties. Others have banned the developments outright, citing environmental and economic concerns.
Public comment was taken from a handful of residents. The proposal moves on to the next full council meeting, currently scheduled for July 14th.
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