Connecticut: Groton's proposed data center regulations set to go to public hearing following year-long moratorium
Jun 27, 2023 | Posted by MadalineDunn
In Groton, a data center moratorium has been in place for a year. This was introduced to give the town the time to formulate regulations for data centers, amidst concerns regarding environmental and noise impacts. Now the proposed regulations are set to go to a public hearing.
As per the proposed regulations, data center applications would have to comply with being no larger than 12,500 square feet, and situated in industrial zones only. Accessory data centers, meanwhile, would have to be no larger than 20% of the gross square footage of the business or principal use, or no larger than 1,000 square feet.
From an environmental perspective, facilities would also have to use renewable energy sources, except in situations with unforeseen power loss, while facility cooling using water evaporation would be prohibited. Further, proposed data centers would have to comply with the state's noise standards.
If the regulations are approved, they would apply to the town, but not Noank, Groton Long Point or the City of Groton, which have their own zoning, according to Assistant Planning Director Deb Jones.
The public hearing will be held during the Planning and Zoning Commission's meeting scheduled for 7pm, Tuesday, at the Town Hall Annex and via Zoom.
As per the proposed regulations, data center applications would have to comply with being no larger than 12,500 square feet, and situated in industrial zones only. Accessory data centers, meanwhile, would have to be no larger than 20% of the gross square footage of the business or principal use, or no larger than 1,000 square feet.
From an environmental perspective, facilities would also have to use renewable energy sources, except in situations with unforeseen power loss, while facility cooling using water evaporation would be prohibited. Further, proposed data centers would have to comply with the state's noise standards.
If the regulations are approved, they would apply to the town, but not Noank, Groton Long Point or the City of Groton, which have their own zoning, according to Assistant Planning Director Deb Jones.
The public hearing will be held during the Planning and Zoning Commission's meeting scheduled for 7pm, Tuesday, at the Town Hall Annex and via Zoom.
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