Data centers require special-use approval rather than being allowed by right in the districts identified in the use table; uses not listed as permitted or special uses are not allowed under the table rules. (special uses)

A landscaping screen is required for any visible portion of a data center located within 500 feet of an existing dwelling. The screen must use a continuous line of native evergreens, shrubs, trees, and/or existing wooded area and must be maintained for the facility's entire duration. (landscaping screen)

Exterior lighting is limited to security and safety purposes, must be shielded, and may not create substantial glare beyond the facility boundaries. (lighting limits)

The facility owner must provide a road-use agreement and obtain access approval from the road authority. (road use agreement)

The facility owner must prepare an emergency plan and submit it to the local fire protection district; any specialized training required must be paid for by the operator. (emergency plan)

The applicant must provide the data center's water quantity and water source. (water amount and source)

The applicant must provide the data center's electricity quantity and electricity source. (electricity amount and source)

A battery energy storage system may be accessory to a data center only if it serves that data center exclusively and has a capacity of no more than 5 megawatts. (5-megawatt BESS limit)

Data centers must comply with noise limits established by the Illinois Pollution Control Board. (noise limits)

The amendment identifies data centers as special uses in the zoning districts shown in the revised Use Table, allowing them to be considered through the special-use approval process rather than being categorically prohibited, subject to Article VIII review and the applicable use standards.

A battery energy storage system may be used as an accessory to a data center if it serves only that data center and has a capacity of no more than five megawatts.

Data centers may be considered only in M-1 and M-2 manufacturing districts; the proposal removes eligibility in agricultural and commercial districts. The current draft limits data centers to M-1 and M-2 districts

A data center must obtain a Special Use Permit rather than being allowed as a matter of right. The work group required a Special Use Permit for data centers

Applicants must provide project-specific information and satisfy performance standards covering screening, lighting, road access, emergency planning, water use, power demand, battery storage, and noise compliance. The draft is organized around categories of information and performance standards

Applicants must disclose the amount and source of electricity and provide information about impacts on local electricity and water supplies for review of the proposal. the amount and source of electricity

The wastewater provision must address wastewater disposal, adding an additional requirement concerning how wastewater is handled. section (9) to be amended to add the word “disposal” relating to wastewater

Allows data centers to be considered for permitting in M-1 and M-2 general manufacturing districts, while excluding agricultural and commercial zoning districts. Approval remains subject to the County’s zoning review process.