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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: February 9, 2026
SUBJECT:
An Ordinance Amending the Code of Ordinances, City of Aurora, by adding "Chapter 50 -Aurora Responsible Data Center Ordinance" and "Chapter 51 - Data Center Privacy Protection Ordinance", pertaining to performance standards and operational requirements for Data Centers.
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.
This ordinance intends to address public concerns around the operation of Data Centers by adding Chapter 50 - Aurora Responsible Data Center Ordinance, which outlines requirements for continued transparent reporting by Data Centers of noise, energy, and water performance, and Chapter 51 - Data Center Privacy Protection Ordinance, which outlines protections for personal Biometric Information stored and used by Data Centers operating in Aurora.
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 and utilizing feedback from stakeholders and citizens, Staff has drafted the attached Exhibit "A".
This ordinance intends to address public concerns around the operation of Data Centers, including a lack of transparency of operations over time a...
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