As technology continues to evolve, communities across Indiana are beginning to face new questions about how large-scale data centers fit into long-term planning.
To stay ahead of those conversations, the Clarksville Town Council recently approved ordinances updating both the Town’s General Ordinances and Zoning Ordinance regarding data centers. The changes prohibit the development of data centers, as defined by the ordinance, within Clarksville’s town limits.
What is a data center?
A data center is a facility that stores, processes, and manages digital information. These buildings house thousands of computer servers that power things many people use every day, including cloud storage, artificial intelligence, email, video streaming, and other online services. While many businesses have server rooms or computer equipment, those are not considered data centers under Clarksville’s ordinance. The ordinance specifically excludes routine information technology services and telecommunications facilities.
Why did Clarksville adopt this ordinance?
When Clarksville’s zoning ordinance was originally written, facilities like today’s large-scale data centers did not exist. As more communities across Indiana begin receiving proposals for these developments, Town officials determined it was important to establish a clear policy before a proposal ever reaches Clarksville.
Planning officials determined that modern data centers are not a good fit under Clarksville’s Comprehensive Plan or the community’s long-term development goals.
Unlike many commercial or industrial developments, large data centers typically require substantial amounts of land, electricity, and water while creating relatively few permanent jobs once construction is complete. The facilities also rely on large cooling systems and backup power generation that can create additional noise, heat, and emissions.
Why is this important for Clarksville?
Clarksville covers only about 10 square miles, with roughly 20 percent of that land considered undevelopable because of regular flooding. With a limited amount of land available for future growth, Town officials believe it is important to reserve available property for development that better aligns with Clarksville’s vision for the future and provides greater long-term benefits to residents.
The ordinance reflects the Town’s Comprehensive Plan, which emphasizes sustainable development, efficient land use, protection of natural resources, and encouraging projects that strengthen the community while making the best use of limited space.
What does the ordinance do?
The ordinance establishes a formal definition of a data center and clarifies that facilities meeting that definition are not permitted in any zoning district within the Town of Clarksville. It also updates zoning language to ensure consistency throughout the Town’s ordinances.