The City of Lawrence is researching data centers in order to decide what local regulation should look like. Staff will seek community feedback starting in the winter.
“(S)taff will begin researching how other cities define and regulate data centers, what use standards and definitions exist elsewhere, and what has worked well or poorly in those communities,” the city’s data center text amendment project page reads.
Staff will also encourage community members to share ideas, research and questions at this time.
In July, city commissioners unanimously approved a two-year moratorium on large-scale data centers in town, while staff study longer-term code changes.
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The Lawrence-Douglas County Planning Commission then approved a text amendment to city code in September, which will not expire with the moratorium. With the amendment, any proposed data center would have to seek a special use permit. The permits would require public hearings with the planning commission and Lawrence City Commission, giving community members a chance to voice their objections.
Now, planning staff are meeting with citywide departments to prepare for the deeper research phase.
According to the city’s timeline, staff will hold public meetings to share research and hear feedback during summer 2027. They’ll draft standards, which the planning commission and city commission will consider adopting in 2028.
Folks can stay updated and get emails from the city about this specific project by signing up on this page of the Engage Lawrence website.
There are many initiatives featured on Engage Lawrence. Visit this link to register for the platform, and click on individual projects to sign up for project-specific emails from the city.
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