08/02/2026
Findlay Data Center Zoning Proposal
The Mayor has asked for input on their idea of what they believe is a good set of guidelines. Councilwoman Kensinger has described their guidelines as medium strict. I believe most people want STRICT. Like so strict they don’t want to come here. Below are the bullet points for HB983. This bill is in the House and I think it has the best guardrails for data centers. The Mayors idea that each data center proposal should be looked at on a case by case task leaves too much wiggle room for shady favors for friendly developers.
Please take a look at the comparison below and consider writing to both our city council and our state representatives and ask them to support the strictest guidelines.
🗳 Citizen Approval
Findlay
No public vote required. Planning Commission decides.
HB983
Requires voter approval before qualifying projects or expansions.
⚡ Power Supply
Findlay
Must study grid impacts; may use public electric grid.
HB983
Requires data centers to provide their own power rather than shifting costs to other ratepayers.
💰 Tax Incentives
Findlay
Does not prohibit tax abatements or incentives.
HB983
Prohibits future local tax incentives for covered data centers.
📄 Public Transparency
Findlay
Development agreements may be negotiated but are not automatically public.
HB983
Makes development agreements public records.
🧪 Chemical Disclosure
Findlay
Limited disclosure requirements.
HB983
Requires disclosure of cooling and wastewater chemicals.
🌎 Environmental Testing
Findlay
Applicant provides studies reviewed by the city.
HB983
Requires independent environmental testing and public reporting.
💧 Water Protection
Findlay
No groundwater for cooling; detailed water-use reporting required.
HB983
Adds statewide environmental protections and liability for damage.
🏠 Distance from Homes
Findlay
1,000-foot minimum setback from homes, schools, parks, hospitals, and nursing homes.
HB983
No comparable statewide setback requirement.
🔊 Noise Limits
Findlay
Day: 55 dBA; Night: 45 dBA at residential property lines.
HB983
No comparable statewide noise limits.
🚧 Site Design
Findlay
Extensive rules for landscaping, lighting, screening, traffic, drainage, and decommissioning.
HB983
Focuses more on public policy than local site design.
💵 Infrastructure Costs
Findlay
Applicant generally responsible for improvements “where legally permissible.”
HB983
Expressly prevents shifting costs to taxpayers and ratepayers.
⚖ Liability
Findlay
Financial guarantees may be required by the city.
HB983
Creates statutory liability for damage to water supplies and infrastructure.
