Colorado Springs plans public input on citywide data-center rules

Colorado Springs is preparing citywide development-code changes for data centers and plans to invite public comment on the research and draft proposals. At a Nov. 5 work session, planning staff said the Unified Development Code Scrub Advisory Committee had reviewed a draft definition of data centers and that a website for research and comments was expected within one to two weeks.

The proposed code changes could address data-center definitions, noise standards and infrasound, Planning Director Kevin Walker told commissioners earlier. Those topics are under consideration, not final requirements. Staff did not provide the draft definition’s wording.

The city’s summary of an independent data-center policy review describes options that could inform the work, including a distinct land-use classification for data centers, review thresholds, noise and water-use requirements, and public participation. The report’s options are not confirmed provisions of the city’s draft.

A commissioner connected public engagement to lessons from the Project Taurus appeal. The code effort is a separate citywide process, not a decision on that project or its project-specific utility-study requirement.

Staff discussed a possible Planning Commission hearing as early as January, with February or March the tentative target. The commission would make a recommendation to City Council after the hearing; the schedule is not final.