<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1JhjAc_1H2427e200" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1JhjAc_1H2427e200" width="1200" height="600" >JACKSON COUNTY, Mich. (News 10) - Townships in Jackson County are writing new data center rules before a developer proposes a project in their communities. Napoleon Township passed a 12-month moratorium on new data center projects this week. Summit Township, after its own six-month pause, approved new rules on noise, water use and setbacks.<h2>Why townships can’t simply say no</h2>Michigan’s Zoning Enabling Act says a zoning ordinance can’t have the effect of totally prohibiting a land use when there is a demonstrated need for it, with limited exceptions. In practice, townships generally can’t shut out data centers entirely, but they can write rules about where and how they’re built.<h2>Summit Township writes rules</h2>Summit Township Supervisor John Griffin said he wants his community to be prepared, as a nationwide data center boom brings new developments to Michigan.“We practically had nothing on the books. So, it’s like, well, let’s get ahead of this as opposed to just have something plunked down in front of us,” Griffin said.Before the change, Summit’s ordinance allowed data centers by right in all commercial districts. Griffin said the township went with a six-month moratorium, and the new rules took about seven to eight months to finish.“We just thought, let’s put some good guardrails in there,” Griffin said.The township board voted to update its zoning ordinance to make the requirements for developers clear.“It respects the property rights of property owners and developers, but it protects the township as far as health and safety” Griffin said.<h2>What the ordinance covers</h2>The ordinance targets three concerns: water, electricity and noise. Among its requirements:<ul><li>Size tiers: Data centers are sorted into small, medium, large and hyperscale based on the size of their footprint, including outdoor power and cooling equipment.</li><li>Setbacks: Hyperscale centers, over 100,000 square feet, must sit 300 feet from residential districts and from homes in agricultural districts. Large centers, 50,000 to 100,000 square feet, must sit 100 feet from residential districts. Smaller centers follow existing setbacks.</li><li>Water: Data centers generally must use closed-loop cooling or municipal water.</li><li>Noise: Sound can’t average more than 55 decibels an hour at the nearest home, not counting backup generators during testing or outages.</li><li>Power: Developers must get assurances from their energy supplier that the project’s electric needs can be met. The township says it defers electricity pricing to the Michigan Public Service Commission.</li><li>Public input: Before the Planning Commission hearing, a developer must hold a public open house or meeting with at least 15 days’ notice.</li><li>Expert review: Every applicant must fund outside experts for the township’s review: the lesser of 0.1% of the project’s estimated cost or $15,000 for small and medium projects, or $75,000 for large and hyperscale projects.</li></ul>Griffin said the township expects to lose about $95,000 in state revenue sharing next year. He said data centers can bring financial benefits to townships, but the rules are meant to protect neighbors.Griffin said there are currently no data center proposals before the Summit Township board.Stream News 10 Lansing on your favorite devices! Here’s how to download the News 10+ app on Roku, Fire TV or Apple TV.Be the first to see the Mid-Michigan headlines you care about – download the News 10+ app and subscribe to our News 10 newsletter and YouTube page to receive the latest local news and weather.</div></body>

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JACKSON COUNTY, Mich. (News 10) - Townships in Jackson County are writing new data center rules before a developer proposes a project in their communities. Napoleon Township passed a 12-month moratorium on new data center projects this week. Summit Township, after its own six-month pause, approved new rules on noise,...

Jackson County townships move to set data center rules

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JACKSON COUNTY, Mich. (News 10) - Townships in Jackson County are writing new data center rules before a developer proposes a project in their communities.

Jackson County townships move to set data center rules

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