Menomonie among latest to adjust for data centers

(The Center Square) – Menomonie’s leadership on Monday unanimously approved regulation changes in zoning that will classify data centers in the northwestern Wisconsin community as such rather than in the same designation as warehouses.

Zoning, lot sizes, and land use for large artificial intelligence data centers is included in the changes.

Balloonist is considering building a data center in Menomonie. The new regulations mean Balloonist will need to reapply for zoning and permitting.

The community of about 17,000 off Interstate 94 between Minneapolis and Eau Claire is not alone in looking to set rules for data centers. Madison and Milwaukee are also looking at adopting data center regulations, as are state lawmakers.

State Rep. Shannon Zimmerman, R-River Falls, and Sen. Romaine Quinn, R-Birchwood, on Monday introduced legislation that would create new statewide regulations.

“With guardrails in place, Wisconsin can be a leader in the digital economy while protecting residents and ensuring responsible development,” ...