Rapid City data center vote delayed to Dec. 10 after 940 public responses
Staff plan to revise the ordinance based on survey feedback collected in October.
By Aiko Nakamura ·
Rapid City residents will not see a final decision on new data center regulations until December 10. City staff are recommending that the Planning Commission postpone the vote at its meeting this Thursday to allow time for necessary revisions.
The delay follows a public input process that generated 940 responses. An informational open house and interactive survey held on October 14 collected approximately 150 entries. An online version of the survey remained open through Monday and added 790 more responses.
The questionnaire asked participants to evaluate whether the proposed rules are appropriate, too strict, or too loose. It also sought opinions on where micro and large-scale facilities should be located. Residents used open-ended sections to list missing elements and general concerns regarding water, sewer, electricity, noise, and vibration.
Planning Manager Jessica Olson stated that the feedback identifies specific changes residents want and gaps in the current proposal. Her team will analyze these comments and present them to the Planning Commission. The goal is to draft additional requirements or clarify existing language to create a more effective ordinance.
Olson noted that staff will highlight the areas of concern and the specific edits requested by the public. This process aims to ensure the final rules address the issues raised during the survey period.
Community Development Director Vicki Fisher said staff will also ask the commission if a one-month timeline is sufficient. Fisher explained that the city needs to return the revised ordinance to the public for additional comment. This step ensures the Planning Commission and City Council have adequate time to review the updated document before a final vote.
Staff intend to present this recommendation and the timeline assessment at the Planning Commission meeting this Thursday. The final rules are expected to reflect the community's priorities before the ordinance moves forward.
