WATERVILLE TOWNSHIP – Waterville Township’s Data Center Advisory Committee (DCAC) is researching everything from lighting and setbacks to architectural regulations and public safety – with a goal of recommending changes to the township’s zoning resolution within the next few months, Toby Miller told trustees Kyle Hertzfeld and Julie Theroux during a March 25 meeting.
Any changes to the zoning book require a 3- to 6-month process involving the Lucas County Planning Commission, the Zoning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals – with public hearings along the way. But during the past two meetings, the DCAC found that some changes can be enacted by the trustees right now – resolutions that can provide protections in the event that a data center developer approaches the township, Miller said.
The first resolution is based on Ohio Revised Code 505.373, which authorizes the trustees to adopt standard fire codes to ensure public safety, health and welfare. The code allows trustees to adopt regulations governing fire hazards, prevention and safety systems for buildings and premises. This is specifically focused on high-energy, high-risk facilities, including data centers and fuel storage facilities that present risks of fire and explosions, Miller added…