Commissioners Explore Potential Limits on Data Center Development

Our Driftless region deserves more than postcards — it deserves a watchdog. Be that support. DECORAH — Members of the Decorah Planning and Zoning Commission signaled Monday evening that they are preparing to draft zoning restrictions aimed at limiting or effectively preventing large-scale data centers within city limits, citing concerns over water use, noise, land consumption and long-term economic value. The discussion was prompted by recent action in Allamakee County, which adopted zoning amendments regulating data centers, as well as recent discussions on a county level regarding data centers. Decorah commissioners said they wanted to address the issue proactively before any proposal reaches the city. Commission member Martin Refsal said communities often run into problems when they are forced to react to a proposal instead of planning in advance. "I don't want Decorah to be in that place," Refsal said. "We can have that conversation now." City Manager Travis Goedken told commissioners that both City Council members and commission members had requested the discussion. He said he had not yet received any formal inquiries from developers about building a data center in Decorah but noted that similar conversations are happening across Iowa. Commissioners repeatedly pointed to concerns over infrastructure demands associated with modern data centers, particularly water consumption and electrical usage. "I think there's much better uses of land that provide a lot more economic value and fit in a lot more," Refsal added, arguing that data centers occupy large amounts of land while creating relatively few permanent jobs. Commission Chair Ryan Delaney said he did not believe data centers should be allowed near the city at all, referencing buffer provisions included in the Allamakee County ordinance. Goedken suggested that rather than banning data centers outright, which might unintentionally indicate bias on the city's behalf, the city could create zoning restrictions that would make locating one in Decorah impractical. Goedken compared the strategy to how cities regulate adult-oriented businesses such as strip clubs by imposing separation requirements from residential areas and other sensitive locations. "My understanding is we typically do this to avoid singling out the specific industry and saying, 'We just don't want you here,'" Goedken said. Commissioners discussed a range of possible restrictions, including setbacks from U.S. Geological Survey-designated waterways and residential areas, limits on noise levels, requirements for decommissioning plans and reclamation agreements, and documentation of projected electrical consumption. Goedken noted that Decorah's geography includes multiple waterways and aquifers that could complicate placement of large facilities. One concern raised repeatedly was the impact of cooling systems operating continuously near residential neighborhoods. "One of the other big complaints I've heard is the constant noise of the cooling system running 24/7," Refsal said. The commission briefly discussed decibel standards included in the Allamakee County ordinance: The one-hour average noise generated from the MDC or LDC, or any of its components or associated ancillary equipment, shall not exceed a noise level of 55 dBA or 60 dBC as measured outside of any nonparticipating dwelling, cabin, mobile home or occupied community building or the property line, whichever is closer. Goedken referenced general comparisons for sound levels, noting that roughly 55 decibels is comparable to a continuously running dishwasher or similar home appliance. Commissioners generally agreed they preferred a simpler ordinance structure rather than lengthy technical standards that could become difficult for staff to administer or enforce. Goedken told the commission he would prepare a draft ordinance tailored specifically for Decorah and bring it back for further discussion at a future meeting. He encouraged commissioners to send individual suggestions before the next draft is prepared. "If at the end of the day you guys want to say, to Ryan's comment before, data centers just shouldn't be here in Decorah, that's the end result," Goedken said. He also noted potential for collaborating mitigation efforts with surrounding incorporated cities. "I'll reach out to Sean Snyder, the EMA director who should have good contacts for all the communities. We can just let them know that we're having this conversation, and if there's interest, they can reach out." Get the inside scoop! Subscribe to the free DecorahNews.com newsletter and receive local news, expert analysis, and stories that matter most—straight to your inbox.