Wausau and Lancaster Adopt New Data Center Zoning Rules

The Wausau City Council and the Lancaster City Council both approved ordinances on July 15, 2026, to regulate the development of data centers. In Wausau, the new zoning rules restrict these facilities to medium or heavy industrial zones and require a 200-foot buffer from residential areas. Developers must now secure conditional use permits, allowing the city to assess impacts on power, water, noise, and light.

Lancaster's first-ever data center ordinance amendment limits future facilities to 16 properties within the suburban manufacturing district. The rules mandate noise studies, setbacks, and decommissioning plans, though they do not apply to two existing projects managed by Chirisa Technology Parks via a community benefits agreement. The Lancaster vote followed public opposition from more than 40 residents citing distrust of government and concerns regarding artificial intelligence.

These actions align with a broader trend in Wisconsin, where counties such as Dane, Door, and Manitowoc have paused or banned such developments. Meanwhile, in Lino Lakes, Minnesota, the city council held preliminary discussions to explore similar policy options for its industrial districts to maintain control over future land use, despite having no active data center proposals.