KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The clock is now ticking on the city of Kalamazoo to begin redrafting its zoning ordinances to regulate data centers, battery energy storage systems and other big digital operations.
The goal is to require that they do not cause the kind of problems here, that they have created in other communities, should they locate here.
The city commission held a public hearing and gave final approval to a one-year moratorium on such facilities Monday night.
City Attorney Aaron Leal says they just can’t approve somebody else’s language, it has to be custom designed to address Kalamazoo’s special issues, like a lack of large undeveloped spaces.
“Our regulations would be different as opposed to Comstock Township, which has a lot of rural land where these could actually develop.”
Assistant City Planner Bobby Durkee says that could give the commission, other involved groups, and the community regular updates on their progress.
“At least monthly, or bi-monthly if there isn’t a Planning Commission update on the progress of the working group.”
One of the first steps will be to put together a working group, made of utility, industry, environmental and community representatives to aid in the process.
They now have until October 5th, 2027 to have their work completed.
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