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TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Tracey Vacek, Zoning & Planning Director
John P. Curley, Chief Development Services Officer
Alison Lindburg, Director of Sustainability
DATE: March 9, 2026
SUBJECT:
An Ordinance Amending Chapter 49 of the Code of Ordinances, City of Aurora, by modifying Section 49-103.3 Definitions and 49-104.3 Conditional Uses and Structures with regards to data center facilities
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this ordinance is to establish comprehensive regulations governing the development and operation of data centers in response to the moratorium approved on September 25, 2025, pursuant to Ordinance No. O25-064.
BACKGROUND:
On September 25, 2025, pursuant to Ordinance No. O25-064, a moratorium was approved to allow Staff time to:
? Research national best practices and safeguards implemented through zoning ordinances and building codes.
? Study the environmental, stormwater, and utility impacts of data centers and warehouses.
? Assess fiscal impacts, including long-term service and infrastructure costs.
? Develop potential zoning and performance standards.
? Report findings to City Council within three months.
? Create a definition for data centers and warehouses.
Based on the above research, Staff has drafted the attached Exhibit "A".
The intended sequence to pass the ordinance is through the following process:
Zoning and Planning Commission
Rules, Administration and Procedure Committee
Building, Zoning, and Economic Committee (information only)
Committee of the Whole
City Council (final vote)
DISCUSSION:
Since the adoption of the moratorium, Staff has conducted extensive research into best practices from neighboring comparable municipalities (see attached regulatory summary), engaged with stakeholders, residents, and peer communities, and prepared draft regulations that align with current industry standards while thoughtfully addressing local concerns related to land use compatibility, infrastructure capac...
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