Saline County Planners Continue Work on Data Center Zoning Rules
The Saline County Planning Commission spent most of its October 27 meeting reviewing a draft text amendment, TXT26-01, that would set zoning standards for data centers in the county. Commissioners voted to continue the item to their next meeting.
Commissioners worked through several sections of the draft, discussing noise standards, water and cooling systems, building heights, and electrical infrastructure. On noise, members suggested cross-referencing an existing section (1.12B) that covers decibel levels and hum rather than keeping a separate 50 dBA limit.
For water use, commissioners debated whether applicants should be required to prove their water usage would not adversely impact the county's water resources, and whether metering of consumption should be required. One member noted the draft already includes definitions for closed-loop cooling systems, which recirculate fluid without drawing from or discharging to the earth.
Commissioners also discussed revising a building-height provision apparently copied from the county's solar regulations, which references a 15-foot maximum "at maximum tilt." Several members noted that 15 feet is too short for a data center building and suggested referring instead to the county's standard height requirements.
The draft also addresses on-site power generation, which members indicated would not be allowed, though they discussed the need to distinguish between operational generation and backup generators. The commission agreed to hold off on provisions related to nuclear power until the full board is present.
