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Data Centers Survey
Background Information
Current Zoning Requirements (Adopted December 2024):
The zoning code currently allows data centers as a permitted use (building permit) in the Light Industrial District and Heavy Industrial District.
State Law – Data Center Bill of Rights:
South Dakota recently adopted a Bill regarding data centers with a peak demand of 10 MW or greater that protects utility rate-payers from increased rates and allows for water restrictions by local providers (see South Dakota Codified Law 49-50). By this law, utility rates cannot be increased for other users due to the impacts of a data center.
Data Center Types and Purpose:
Generally, data centers are used to store, manage, and process electronic information. The following information explains, in general, the different types of data centers and how they are used:
The proposal regulates data centers based on size with the following limitations:
The proposal also addresses the following issues:
The following survey questions are intended to collect feedback on the proposed requirements in each topic area.
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