Colorado Springs releases standards for data center development
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- The City of Colorado Springs released a framework for evaluating future data center projects, emphasizing protections for utility customers, water resources, neighborhoods, and public participation.
The announcement follows residents' concerns raised at a July 23 Planning Commission hearing on "Project Taurus," including potential impacts from noise, water and electricity use, utility rates, infrastructure, air quality, emissions, wildlife, and the location of data centers near homes and open space.
“Data centers will not be approved by default,” the city said in outlining the new framework. Each proposed large-load project will have to demonstrate that it can meet the city's standards and that its benefits outweigh its potential impacts.
Six standards for future data centers
1. Protect ratepayers
The city says existing utility customers should not subsidize private data center development. Projects requiring major electric infrastructure will be expected to pay for new infrastructure, pay for reserved electrical capacity, enter into long-term service agreements and provide financial guarantees.
2. Protect water resources
Large water users will need to demonstrate that their needs can be met without compromising Colorado Springs' long-term water supply. Projects may be required to demonstrate water availability, pay for infrastructure improvements and use water-efficient technologies.
3. Protect neighborhoods
Data centers will be expected to minimize impacts on nearby neighborhoods through measures such as noise mitigation, setbacks and buffers, landscaping and screening, responsible lighting and high-quality site design.
The city may also require independent technical studies when potential impacts, particularly noise, are uncertain.
4. Protect community standards
Future data centers must comply with applicable city development requirements covering areas such as site planning, landscaping, environmental protection, building design, public safety and community compatibility.
5. Welcome community contribution
The city says data center projects should provide lasting value beyond the size of their initial investment. Officials will consider whether projects expand the tax base, create community benefits and offset potential impacts.
6. Protect the public's voice
Residents will continue to have opportunities to learn about proposed projects and participate in the review process through public notices, neighborhood meetings when appropriate, public hearings and established review and appeal processes.
The city says community input should be considered while projects can still be shaped, rather than after key decisions have already been made.
Mayor: Growth must benefit Colorado Springs
Mobolade said the standards are intended to create a framework that allows economic development while protecting the city's long-term interests.
Under the new framework, the city says it will only permit data centers that meet its standards.
The announcement comes as communities across Colorado Springs continue to weigh the potential economic benefits of data centers against concerns about their demands on electricity, water and infrastructure.
The city says the standards are intended to provide greater transparency and clearer expectations for both developers and residents as data center proposals move through the approval process.
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