On the agenda: Norton meeting — Data Center (Apr 28)

CITY OF NORTON

NG COs,
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& %, 4060 Columbia Woods Drive
=< = Norton, Ohio 44203

Offices: 330-825-7815 Fax: 330-825-3104
NORTON Website: www.cityofnorton.org

Mayor Mike Zita

PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA
Tuesday, April 28, 2026

I. ROLL CALL
II. Statement from Zoning Administrator
Ill. OLD BUSINESS
Data Center Zoning Regulations and Resolution
IV. NEW BUSINESS
Vv. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
April 14, 2026
VI. ADJOURNMENT

CITY OF NORTON

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Sen.
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¢ 5 4060 Columbia Woods Drive
=< ~ Norton, Ohio 44203

Offices: 330-825-7815 Fax: 330-825-3104
NORTON Website: www.cityofnorton.org

Mayor Mike Zita

PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Tuesday, April 14, 2026 - 6:00 pm

Roll Call:

Ralph Dowling
Marion Peterson
Jim Lada

Kaitlin Witzberger

sent:
Owen, Secretary

Mr. Dowling called the meeting to orde

APPLICATION PC-6

Final Site Plan Review
The Lake Park (formerly Loy:

2678 Hametown Rd, from 46-08935)

consists of removing an
al structure over an existing tennis
r equipment storage. Mr. Braman
ts have been met, and the city
o’ comments or concerns.

to the podium. Mr. Schmid of 2678 South
cture would not have a traditional
larly to a pole building/shed. The structure
and will not have water or additional utilities.
seussed the structure, confirming it is fully engineered

rements. No concerns were raised.

Mr. Braman pre
existing pavilion a:

and meets snow

Motion: Mr. Lada made a motion to approve Application PC-6. Ms. Witzberger
seconded the motion. Motion passes 4-0.

OLD BUSINESS

Data Center Zoning Regulations

Mr. Dowling introduced discussion regarding proposed zoning regulations for
data centers. He explained that draft language was developed using examples
from other municipalities, including Linn County, Iowa and Chandler, Arizona.
The draft primarily addresses large-scale data centers, with additional
consideration needed for smaller, secondary data centers.

Mr. Braman reminded the commission of the complaints that have been voiced
by our residents thus far; Lighting, Noise, impact to our water table, and
potential electric draw. He mentioned that he feels utilizing a conditional use
could be in the commissions favor so all the different variables that need to be
considered at that time of application can be addressed.

Discussion included:
e Whether to regulate both large and small data centers
e Appropriate zoning districts (I1 vs. I2)
e Utility considerations (electric demand & ga:
e Closed-loop water systems, environmental
e Noise, lighting, and buffering requireme:
e Setbacks and distance from residentia
e Emergency response planning and gity
e Maintaining flexibility for futur ) i es that can’t even be
predicted as of now.

age).
ts and demand.

e Keeping regulations co
e Using conditional or spe aintain oversight
e« Maintaining business-frie protecting residents

Mr. Dowling will i ack and circulate an
updated version: i
meeting, with the

tion to approve the minutes of March 24,
otion passes 4-0.

Adjournment
Chairman Dowli

Respectfully submitted, Approved:

4-28-2026
Samantha Owen, Secretary Ralph Dowling, Chair Date

Note: These minutes are not verbatim. A full recording is available on the city
website.