RAPID CITY, S.D. – Rapid City Mayor Jason Salamun is expected to introduce two proposals aimed at addressing concerns over future data center development in the city.
One proposal would establish a six-month moratorium on permits for new data center operations while city officials continue reviewing and updating regulations. The second proposal would create additional safeguards for data centers if the City Council chooses not to approve a temporary pause.
The proposals come after the Rapid City Planning Commission voted earlier this month to delay action on the city’s proposed data center ordinance until January 2027. City staff requested the delay to review more than 900 public comments and survey responses related to issues such as water use, power demand, noise, vibration, and infrastructure impacts.
The proposed ordinance, known as Ordinance 6746, would strengthen existing regulations governing where data centers can operate and how they address community concerns.
Mayor Salamun is expected to formally announce the proposals during a news conference at City Hall on Thursday.
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