The Data Center Divide
City of Massillon
Anti-Data Center Policies
Massillon limits data centers to I-2 industrial areas, requires a 400-foot setback, and requires developers to show before construction that water, power, wastewater, and noise requirements are met. These rules create hurdles but do not ban data centers.
Official publication confirms Ordinance 60-2026 passed August 3, 2026.Massillon, Ohio — Data Center Zoning Rules
What this means
The rules would limit data centers to I-2 industrial areas, require a 400-foot setback, and make developers show that water, electricity, wastewater, and noise requirements are met before construction (zoning and site-plan requirements). These are meaningful hurdles, but they do not ban data centers, and the sources note that large industrial sites are available.
People behind it
- Community Development Committee
Identified as the committee sponsoring Ordinance No. 60-2026.
- Julie Harwig Smith
RepublicanWorked on and helped draft the zoning legislation, and moved the ordinance amendment.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements5
Data centers are permitted only in I-2 General Industrial zones, not in other zoning districts. only be on I-2 General Industrial land
A data center must be at least 400 feet from residential districts. The amended definitions classify a facility as large-scale if it exceeds 100,000 square feet on a parcel and/or can exceed 25 MW; the ordinance also defines non-large-scale centers by those thresholds. setbacks ... will be at least 400 feet exceeding 25 MW
Before construction, developers must show in the site plan that adequate water, electric, and wastewater capacity is available. prove in their site plan
Developers must provide certifications for peak noise and decibel levels. peak noise and decibel level certifications
The city’s site plan review committee may revisit utility-related changes that arise after a data center’s initial approval or construction. revisit any utility-related changes
Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions1
Allows data centers to seek approval in I-2 heavy-industrial zones. They must meet a 400-foot setback from residential districts and, through site-plan review, demonstrate adequate water, electric and wastewater capacity and provide peak-noise certifications. I-2 zoning and site-plan requirements
Sources
Extends the existing stay on data-center development in the City of Massillon, with council discussion indicating that the extension would run for 60 days from June 15, 2026; Resolution No. 25-2026 was adopted on that date.Massillon Resolution 25-2026
What this means
The measure would extend a temporary pause on data center development in Massillon for 60 days, delaying new projects during that period. It does not appear to permanently ban data centers or restrict their operation once the pause ends.
Timing
- Ends
- 60 days from 2026-06-15
The resolution extends the stay on development of data centers, and the Council described it as a 60-day stay expiring 60 days from June 15, 2026.
People behind it
- Finance Committee
Identified sponsor of Ordinances Nos. 59, 65, and 66 of 2026.
- Streets, Highways, Traffic & Safety Committee
Identified sponsor of Ordinances Nos. 61, 63, and 64 of 2026.
- Rules, Courts & Civil Service Committee
Identified sponsor of Ordinance No. 62 of 2026.
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- Committee of the Whole
Identified sponsor of Resolution No. 25 of 2026 extending the stay on data-center development.
- Public Utilities & Environmental Committee
Identified sponsor of Ordinance No. 67 of 2026 concerning water service and rates.
- Community Development Committee
Identified sponsor of Ordinance No. 60 of 2026 amending the Planning and Zoning Code.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1
A 60-day stay on the development of data centers within the City of Massillon, temporarily delaying data-center development.
Sources
Temporarily pauses data center development in Massillon, with the pause later extended.Massillon Resolution 23-2026
What this means
The measure would put a stay on data-center development in Massillon, making new construction and expansion very difficult while it is in effect. The sources give no end date and do not say it would stop existing centers from operating.
Timing
The measure imposes a moratorium, described in the meeting minutes as a moratorium and in the ordinance compilation as a stay on data-center development. The sources do not specify an expiration date or ending condition.
People behind it
- Economic Development Committee
Identified sponsor of Ordinance No. 33-2026.
- City of Massillon, Ohio
Party to the Job Creation Tax Credit Agreement approved by the ordinance.
- Babcock & Wilcox
Party to the Job Creation Tax Credit Agreement approved by the ordinance.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1
Imposes a moratorium, described in the enacted measure as a stay, on the development of data centers within the City of Massillon.
Sources
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