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Introduction
The City of Lawrence is researching data center uses to inform a text amendment to the Land Development Code that will define how these uses are regulated. Community input, along with research from other cities, will help shape what those standards look like and this page will be your source for updates on that process, including when and how you can get involved.
Project History
On June 9, 2026, the City Commission directed staff to initiate a text amendment to the City of Lawrence Land Development Code with regard to Data Center uses concurrently with a temporary moratorium on the development of Data Center uses within the City of Lawrence.
In September 2026, the City is reviewing an interim text amendment (AMDT-26-0015) that would require a special use permit for data center uses in the IL, IG, and IBP zoning districts. This amendment goes before the Planning Commission on September 21, 2026.
This interim step adds a layer of review while staff conducts a fuller, longer-term study of data center regulations. It is not the final set of standards; it is a placeholder that gives the City more oversight while broader research and a public engagement process take place.
What's Happening Now
Planning staff are currently meeting with departments across the City to hear concerns and gather perspective ahead of a deeper research phase. Starting in the winter of this year, staff will begin researching how other cities define and regulate data centers, what use standards and definitions exist elsewhere, and what has worked well or poorly in those communities.
During this research phase, project staff will be looking to the community to submit their own research, letters, and other helpful items to create a well-rounded picture of data center uses and regulations.
Project Timeline
This page will grow along with the project. Here's what to expect and when:
Right now: This page shares background on the project and will keep our community informed as staff begin internal coordination and research.
Winter 2026: The project will open up to community members to share ideas, research, and questions directly with staff. This timing helps ensure staff will be deep enough into their own research to meaningfully review and respond to what the community shares.
Summer 2027: Staff will hold public meetings to share research findings and gather feedback in person.
2028: Drafted standards will move through Planning Commission and City Commission review as part of the formal adoption process.
Stay Informed
This page will be updated as the project moves forward. Sign up using the “Follow Project” widget to stay up to date.
Introduction
The City of Lawrence is researching data center uses to inform a text amendment to the Land Development Code that will define how these uses are regulated. Community input, along with research from other cities, will help shape what those standards look like and this page will be your source for updates on that process, including when and how you can get involved.
Project History
On June 9, 2026, the City Commission directed staff to initiate a text amendment to the City of Lawrence Land Development Code with regard to Data Center uses concurrently with a temporary moratorium on the development of Data Center uses within the City of Lawrence.
In September 2026, the City is reviewing an interim text amendment (AMDT-26-0015) that would require a special use permit for data center uses in the IL, IG, and IBP zoning districts. This amendment goes before the Planning Commission on September 21, 2026.
This interim step adds a layer of review while staff conducts a fuller, longer-term study of data center regulations. It is not the final set of standards; it is a placeholder that gives the City more oversight while broader research and a public engagement process take place.
What's Happening Now
Planning staff are currently meeting with departments across the City to hear concerns and gather perspective ahead of a deeper research phase. Starting in the winter of this year, staff will begin researching how other cities define and regulate data centers, what use standards and definitions exist elsewhere, and what has worked well or poorly in those communities.
During this research phase, project staff will be looking to the community to submit their own research, letters, and other helpful items to create a well-rounded picture of data center uses and regulations.
Project Timeline
This page will grow along with the project. Here's what to expect and when:
Right now: This page shares background on the project and will keep our community informed as staff begin internal coordination and research.
Winter 2026: The project will open up to community members to share ideas, research, and questions directly with staff. This timing helps ensure staff will be deep enough into their own research to meaningfully review and respond to what the community shares.
Summer 2027: Staff will hold public meetings to share research findings and gather feedback in person.
2028: Drafted standards will move through Planning Commission and City Commission review as part of the formal adoption process.
Stay Informed
This page will be updated as the project moves forward. Sign up using the “Follow Project” widget to stay up to date.
