Riley County officials recommended commissioners designate data centers and battery storage systems as “special use,” allowing for review by county staff, the planning board and the county commission while also allowing for public input.
The standards for data centers and battery energy storage systems would differ from those for wind and solar energy, but Riley County planning and special projects director Amanda Webb said creating specific criteria would be consistent with the county’s existing approach to specialized land uses.
Commissioners also considered scheduling speakers to better inform them amid regulation talks. Webb presented speaker proposals to county commissioners Monday. The county is in a moratorium on data centers and battery energy storage systems, which lasts through Nov. 12.
