Special Committee of the Whole - Sep 09 2026 - Amended - attachments added

The City of Clinton, Iowa held a Special Committee of the Whole meeting on September 9, 2026, focused on reviewing and amending the data center ordinance. The council discussed detailed definitions for data centers, including classifications into small, large, and hyperscale facilities, with emphasis on power capacity and square footage thresholds. Significant deliberations centered on zoning districts where data centers would be permitted, setback requirements from residential properties (ultimately approving a 1,000-foot setback with provisions for negotiated reductions), and environmental and operational standards such as noise, lighting, water usage, and generator fuel types. The committee also addressed procedural elements including submission and review of conceptual development plans by the planning commission and city council, as well as enforcement mechanisms and penalties for ordinance violations. Additional topics included landscaping and screening requirements, private well protections, and waste management, with plans to incorporate further revisions and hold another review session on September 22, 2026.