County Moves to Limit Data Centers
PEKIN — Tazewell County officials are moving forward with plans to regulate potential data center development, with an initial proposal limiting such facilities to industrially zoned land in unincorporated areas of the county.
The Tazewell County Board’s Land Use Committee reviewed a draft data center ordinance Tuesday and agreed to remove language that would have allowed data centers in agricultural zones. Under the proposal, data centers would require approval through a special-use permit process before construction could move forward.
The ordinance is still in its early stages. Community Development Administrator Jackie Workman prepared the initial draft, which county leaders described as a starting point for further discussion. A final version is expected to be considered by the County Board on Sept. 30.
Interest in the issue has increased following the recent sale of the former Caterpillar property outside Delavan. The approximately 100-acre site, located in an unincorporated area of Tazewell County, was purchased by Milwaukee-based Phoenix Investors.
The transaction prompted questions from some residents about the possibility of a data center being developed on the property.
Tazewell County’s authority extends only to unincorporated areas. The county’s 17 municipalities maintain their own zoning regulations and would not be governed by the proposed ordinance.
During the committee meeting, members discussed a variety of concerns often associated with large-scale data centers, including water use, electrical demand and noise.
Committee member Eugene Glueck advocated for strong water-protection measures and suggested requiring data centers to use treated wastewater for cooling and return it in acceptable condition. He also urged county officials to address potential noise impacts and consider requirements that preserve existing ambient sound levels for nearby residents.
Tazewell County currently does not have a noise ordinance on the books.
Committee member Eric Schmidgall suggested a temporary moratorium on data center projects until regulations are finalized. County officials responded that a moratorium is unnecessary because existing county regulations and state law prevent the county from accepting data center applications until an ordinance is adopted.
The draft ordinance addresses design standards, permitting requirements, construction, operations and nonconforming uses and structures. Its stated purpose is to establish consistent standards for the location and development of data centers while protecting public health, safety and community welfare.
The Land Use Committee and the Tazewell County Zoning Board of Appeals will continue refining the proposal before it is presented to the full County Board for consideration. The committee’s next meeting is scheduled for Aug. 18.
