Frankfort Establishes New Zoning Rules to Attract Data Centers

The Village of Frankfort has amended its zoning ordinance to create a specific use category for data centers, a move designed to regulate and attract high-tech development. The Village Board approved the changes Monday, acting on a unanimous recommendation from the Plan Commission.

The new regulations create a formal definition for data centers and establish where and how they can be built. Previously, such facilities were not specifically listed in the village code, falling under broader categories like “utility facility” or “warehouse,” which officials felt did not provide adequate review standards.

Under the new ordinance, data centers will be permitted as a special use in the village’s industrial districts. This requires developers to go through a public hearing process with the Plan Commission and secure final approval from the Village Board, giving officials greater oversight.

The amendment also establishes specific requirements for parking, which are less intensive than for typical industrial uses, setting a standard of one space per 5,000 square feet of floor area, with additional space land-banked for potential future needs. The ordinance also includes detailed architectural, landscaping, and screening standards to ensure the large facilities are compatible with the surrounding area.