Kokomo IN data center zoning standards (2026)

Kokomo, Indiana (Howard County) Common Council, data center standards ordinance (new zoning Section 6.75 drafted by HWC Engineering, per the Kokomo Tribune). First reading Monday, August 24, 2026 (Kokomo Tribune, August 25). Passed 8-1 at the September 14, 2026 meeting (Kokomo Lantern), with Councilman Bob Stephenson (D-2) dissenting, and then sent to Mayor Tyler Moore for signature. STANDARDS (Kokomo Lantern): data center structures, including electric substations, at least 350 ft from any existing residential structure; at least 200 ft setback from any property line abutting a residential district; transmission lines running parallel to a data center lot at least 100 ft from the lot boundary; no equipment or generator testing from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m.; roof- and ground-mounted mechanical equipment fully screened; a master site plan at initial application showing full build-out, phasing and added utility infrastructure; EXEMPTION for data centers with critical IT load under 1 MW and under 10,000 sq ft. ZONING: allowed in all industrial zones and in the OIA-OL (Office, Institutional, Agricultural Overlay) district. High-industrial developments are encouraged to use the most resource-efficient technology and must file a decommissioning plan, handled case by case. NOISE: no new data-center-specific noise rule; the existing ordinance caps sustained noise at 50 dB next to residential areas and 70 dB next to other zones, measured at the property line. PRIOR LAW: data centers were permitted by right with a 35-ft setback next to homes (HWC Engineering's Bryan Stumpf, Kokomo Tribune). NOT ESTABLISHED: ordinance number, the mayor's signature date, and the effective date.