Special Plan Commission - Jul 15 2026

The City of Clinton, Iowa Plan Commission held a meeting on July 15, 2026, to review and discuss a proposed zoning ordinance framework regulating data centers within the city. The ordinance aims to address land use, environmental, infrastructure, and public safety concerns related to data center development, including water and electric usage, noise, lighting, setbacks, and decommissioning. The staff presented the draft ordinance as a comprehensive starting point, emphasizing the need for protections while allowing a pathway for data center development. Public comments were extensive, with many residents and stakeholders expressing concerns about the ordinance's permissiveness, potential environmental impacts, and the need for stronger, more specific regulations, including mandatory studies, monitoring, and financial assurances. The commission ultimately voted to table the recommendation to the city council to allow more time for review and potential amendments. No final vote on the ordinance was taken at this meeting.