“It’s becoming increasingly obvious that we need to act quickly,” said Council member Anna Albi, the newest member of the commission. “Data centers not only strain our local utilities, they also have serious environmental impacts.”
The Department of Planning and Engagement drafted the proposal at the direction of City Manager Sheryl Long and Mayor Aftab Pureval.
“This measure ensures Cincinnati is prepared for the growth of this industry and its potential effects,” Mayor Pureval said in a statement to WVXU. “Cities across the country are grappling with higher energy costs, and new data centers risk making that worse. We want to develop policies that protect our city’s future.”
Temporary controls and next steps
The proposal would create an Interim Development Control (IDC) Overlay District lasting three months. During that period, any new data center proposal would require additional review by the Planning Commission.
“This is not a ban on data centers,” said City Planner Sophia Ferries-Rowe. “It simply adds another layer of review while the city evaluates how best to regulate them.”
The department will also conduct a study and recommend zoning code updates. The study will analyze existing data centers, review regulatory models in other U.S. cities, and gather public feedback about Cincinnati’s data infrastructure and community concerns.
A key goal is to add a clear zoning definition for data centers—something missing from the current code.
“Right now, data centers are treated as self-storage uses, so they’re allowed anywhere self-storage is permitted,” said Kevin Tidd, city attorney for land use infrastructure and utilities. “This is a new and evolving land use, and zoning codes across the state are playing catch-up.”
IDC coverage and considerations
If approved, the IDC Overlay District would apply only to areas where data centers are currently allowed—six zoning districts with more than 22,000 parcels. City Council could later extend the measure for up to nine additional months after a public hearing.
During the review period, the Planning Commission would consider factors such as:
– Compatibility with neighborhood character
– Zoning and urban design guidelines
– Utility and power demands
– Water use and stormwater management
– Environmental and traffic impacts
– Public benefits and alignment with city planning goals
Upcoming hearings
The Housing and Growth Committee will hold a special meeting at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, in City Hall Council Chambers to review the proposal. If approved, the measure would move to the full City Council for a final vote the following day.
Both meetings will be livestreamed on CitiCable.