JC planning commissioners approve new data center rules

Johnson City planning commissioners approved new rules for data centers by a four-to-two vote Tuesday night. It took city staff more than half an hour to go over the proposed rules for data centers. Most residents at the meeting seemed satisfied with the results, some were not. A 200-foot setback from any residential property was a sticking point that some felt should be greater. A city attorney said the city can’t make rules that effectively ban a type of business. Still, some residents made it clear they won’t be happy with anything but a ban. The rules will now go before the full commission for three votes, alongside a separate ordinance for noise and vibration limits. The votes are tentatively set for August 6, August 20 and September 3.