Waite Park City Council Passes One-Year Data Center Moratorium

(KNSI) — The Waite Park City Council has unanimously passed a one-year moratorium on data centers, putting a halt to development while the city studies the potential impacts on city resources.

Planning Director Jon Noerenberg feels data centers are becoming more common across Minnesota, but the city’s current ordinance isn’t well-suited for that kind of development. Unlike past moratoriums on solar and quarrying projects, which came after development was already underway, the city is getting ahead of any proposals this time around. Noerenberg said the two biggest concerns are water usage and noise emissions.

“I think there are ways to mitigate or apply practices to ensure we’re being cognizant of residents and property owners, as well as safeguarding the city and our natural resources against any negative impacts,” said Noerenberg.

Resident Donny Daubanton supports the moratorium, citing concerns about water, noise, AI, and public surveillance and hopes others speak up.

“I think what’s going to be most important is for people to come out and voice their opinions about it. Word of mouth needs to be spread around during these next twelve months, and they should let their voices be heard.”

Daubanton notes he’d rather see affordable housing on any land being considered for data center development.

One exception in the draft ordinance allows construction of a small, 300-square-foot telecommunications shelter with fiber-optic equipment. City staff says it is not data center-related and does not require water to operate.

The city will study data centers in nearby communities before drafting new regulations. Noerenberg said he’d prefer a well-refined proposal that satisfies both residents and city officials before considering an early end to the moratorium.

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