The Data Center Divide
A policy snapshot ahead of the 2026 midterms. Mapping data center incentives, restrictions, and bans through legislation, regulations, and executive actions across all 50 states and 1,462 local jurisdictions.
City of Canton
Mixed Data Center Policies
Ohio offers qualifying data centers significant sales-tax exemptions on equipment, subject to investment, payroll, reporting, and other conditions, while fees apply to participants. New exemption requests are paused, which may raise costs for new projects; data centers are not banned.
Rating and summary from Ohio statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for City of Canton.
current law · City of CantonSets data-center-specific zoning and operating rules, including setbacks, noise controls, utility placement, landscaping, inspections, and generator testing limits.Ohio Canton City Code Chapters 1131 and 1148.16 Data Center Zoning Amendments
People behind it
- Planning Commission
Wrote the recommendations for the proposed data-center zoning changes.
- Canton City Council
Held the public hearing and adopted the data-center zoning ordinance as Ordinance No. 115/2026.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements9
Data centers are subject to a dedicated zoning chapter and expanded definition covering hyperscale facilities of at least 100,000 square feet or 50 megawatts, as well as smaller and high-intensity artificial-intelligence or cryptocurrency facilities.
Principal buildings, cooling equipment, electrical substations, generators, and battery storage must be set back at least 200 feet from the nearest property line of a sensitive receptor or from a right-of-way.
A sensitive receptor includes land uses sensitive to noise, vibration, or nuisances, including property within 2,500 feet of a data-center property line.
Data centers must place utility lines underground.
Data centers must provide landscaping buffers intended to reduce noise and visibility.
Data-center facilities must complete required sound studies and comply with limits on generator-testing hours.
Data-center projects are subject to additional requirements addressing parking, off-street loading, landscaping, site design, and related development standards.
Data-center operators must allow city right-of-entry and inspection.
Before closing, relocating, or abandoning a facility, operators must provide at least 180 days' notice, or otherwise provide notice for the practically available period.
Sources
current law · City of CantonOfficial July 27, 2026 minutes record adoption of Ordinance 115/2026, amending zoning definitions and creating Section 1148.16, Data Centers.City of Canton Ordinance No. 115/2026
People behind it
- William V. Sherer II
Mayor discussing rules to guide future projects
- Frank Morris, Richard Sacco and Chris Smith
Council members who voted against the ordinance
- Jason Reese
Law Director unable to confirm application to the existing DAMAC site
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements4
Principal buildings, cooling equipment, substations, generators and battery storage require at least 200 feet of setback from a sensitive receptor property line or right-of-way
Sensitive receptor definition includes any property within 2,500 feet of the data center property line
Underground utility lines, landscaping buffers, sound studies and generator-testing limits
180-day or otherwise practical notice before closing, relocation or abandonment
Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions1
Defines a range of data-center facilities and how they should be built and operated — regulatory framework, not a verified incentive or exemption.
Sources
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