Planning & Zoning - 08/06/26 5:00 pm

The City of Marshalltown Planning & Zoning Commission held a meeting on August 6, 2026, primarily focused on addressing the regulation of data centers within the city. The commission conducted a public hearing on a proposed temporary moratorium ordinance (Ordinance 15123) that would pause approvals for new data centers and substantial expansions until November 23, 2026, to allow time for developing comprehensive regulations. The moratorium includes exceptions and aims to prevent any vested rights from being established prematurely. The commission voted unanimously to recommend the moratorium with a waiver of the second and third readings to expedite its enactment by the city council. The meeting also included a work session to begin scoping regulatory considerations for data centers, covering topics such as water usage, electrical infrastructure, noise, building size, environmental impacts, and economic development opportunities. Representatives from Marshalltown Waterworks provided input on water supply concerns and potential involvement in permitting processes. The commission discussed the need for clear definitions, size limits, and zoning distinctions for data centers, emphasizing the importance of treating all high-impact industrial users equitably. Future meetings and public engagement sessions were scheduled to gather community input and develop draft regulations. No specific contract awards or procurement decisions were made during this meeting.