Rapid City proposes one-month delay on data center rules to address resident feedback

Rapid City Community Development staff will recommend on Thursday that the Planning Commission postpone its decision on the city's new data center ordinance. The proposed action would push the vote to the commission's Dec. 10 meeting.

The delay is intended to give staff time to revise the draft rules. Staff members cited a need to incorporate edits based on recent public input. This includes responses from an informational open house and an interactive survey held on Oct. 14.

The initial session collected approximately 150 responses. An online version of the survey remained open through Monday, gathering an additional 790 responses. In total, nearly 950 residents provided feedback on the proposed regulations.

The survey asked participants to evaluate whether the proposed rules were appropriate, too restrictive, or insufficiently restrictive. It also sought input on the preferred locations for both micro and large-scale data centers. Residents were given space to list missing elements and express concerns regarding water, sewer, electric use, noise, and vibration.

Planning Manager Jessica Olson stated that the comments identified specific changes residents want, gaps in the proposal, and areas of concern. Staff plan to identify these points and present them to the Planning Commission. Olson said the goal is to draft additional requirements or clarify existing language to create a more meaningful ordinance.

Community Development Director Vicki Fisher said staff will also ask the commission on Thursday if a one-month timeframe is sufficient. Fisher emphasized the need for the revised rules to go back out for additional public comment. She noted that both the Planning Commission and the City Council require an opportunity to review the final version.

Staff members said they want the final rules to reflect the community's priorities before the ordinance moves forward in the legislative process.