RAPID CITY, S.D. – Rapid City Mayor Jason Salamun is proposing temporary measures to address community concerns about data center development while the city continues work on a long-term ordinance.
Salamun plans to introduce two proposals at the Planning Commission’s November 25th meeting. One would establish a six-month moratorium on permits for new data center operations while city officials finalize updated regulations. The second would create temporary safeguards related to issues such as location, water use, power demand, sewer capacity, noise, and vibration if a moratorium is not approved.
The proposals come after the Planning Commission delayed action on the city’s proposed data center ordinance until January 2027 to allow staff time to review more than 900 public comments and survey responses.
Salamun says residents have expressed concerns about the potential impacts of data centers on infrastructure and quality of life, and he wants protections in place while the city develops permanent regulations.
The mayor is expected to outline the proposals during a press conference at City Hall. The Planning Commission will consider the measures later this month before any recommendations move on to the Rapid City City Council.
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