Plain City, OH

New data center regulations up for review — Plain City

Reviewed Jul 13 · outcome not yet confirmed

Every project links to the city packet it came from.

Plain City Council approved new zoning regulations (Chapter 1188) for data centers, setting standards for location, design, construction, and operation within the I-2 (Limited Industrial) Zoning District or approved Planned Unit Developments. These regulations include specific requirements for architectural design, setbacks, landscaping, noise mitigation, emergency management, and utility impacts.

What happened

Plain City Council passed Ordinance 32-2026, enacting Chapter 1188 of the Planning and Zoning Code, which establishes comprehensive regulations for data center development.

Why it matters

The approval of data center specific zoning means that large-scale industrial projects are now regulated and potentially encouraged. These projects require extensive site work, concrete, utility connections, electrical infrastructure, HVAC, and fire protection. Landscape, masonry, fencing, and painting contractors will also be needed for architectural and screening requirements. Power washing is implied for surface prep during construction and maintenance.

Timing

With regulations in place, developers can now submit proposals for data centers. Construction could begin once a project receives conditional use approval.

Source: plaincityohio.gov