Colorado Springs approves Buckingham Drive rezoning with data-center ban

Colorado Springs City Council approved a rezoning Sept. 8 for about 7.79 acres along Buckingham Drive, changing the property to light-industrial zoning and prohibiting data centers, residential uses and several other categories of activity. The signed ordinance covers the properties at 4290, 4310, 4320, 4330 and 4340 Buckingham Drive, or about 339,516 square feet.

The council voted 7-2. The zoning change replaces Business Park with Conditions of Record zoning with Light Industrial with Conditions of Record zoning. The ordinance prohibits household and group living, industrial hemp, marijuana-related services, natural medicines, indoor and outdoor kennels, and data centers.

Buckingham Land Holdings LLC applied for the change for a general industrial-development concept involving multiple parcels, industrial buildings, truck circulation and screened outdoor storage, according to the project statement. The Planning Commission minutes describe the request as providing flexibility for future industrial development, not approving a specific project or tenant.

Councilmember Donelson, one of the two members who voted against the ordinance, said he preferred the property’s business-park zoning because it had stronger or “nicer” restrictions. He also said the area near Garden of the Gods was trending toward light-industrial development despite having originally been zoned when it was more remote, according to the Sept. 8 council meeting record.

The rezoning establishes a land-use framework for the property but does not approve construction, a site plan, building permits or an operating permit. Future development would remain subject to the ordinance’s prohibitions and other city requirements.

The ordinance records final passage on Sept. 8. The clerk’s certification lists Sept. 16 as the effective date.