Zoning Board Advances Data Center Permit to County Board

The Sangamon County Zoning Board of Appeals voted 5-0 to recommend approval of a conditional permitted use request for a proposed CyrusOne data center in Talkington Township, finding that the project met all applicable county zoning guidelines and land use requirements despite objections raised by several residents during public hearings.

The proposal from Dallas-based CyrusOne calls for construction of a large-scale data center campus on agricultural property in western Sangamon County near Waverly. The project would allow the company to develop multiple buildings designed to house servers and digital infrastructure if the conditional permitted use request is ultimately approved by the County Board.

The zoning board’s role was limited to determining whether the conditional permitted use request met the standards outlined in county zoning ordinances. After reviewing the application and hearing testimony, board members voted unanimously to recommend approval, concluding that the project complied with applicable zoning criteria and land use regulations.

During the hearing, attorneys and representatives for CyrusOne addressed questions related to water usage, noise, traffic, and backup power systems. Company officials stated that the facility would operate within state and local regulatory limits and that required permits would be obtained before construction. They also outlined plans for infrastructure improvements and compliance with environmental standards.

Several residents spoke in opposition, raising concerns about long-term land use, potential environmental impacts, and the loss of farmland. Some questioned water consumption, electrical demand, and whether the development would change the character of the surrounding rural area. Others asked about reclamation plans if the facility were to cease operations in the future.

Supporters of the project have pointed to anticipated construction jobs and increased property tax revenue as potential economic benefits. However, the zoning board’s decision was limited to whether the application satisfied the standards required for a conditional permitted use under county zoning regulations.

With the zoning board’s 5-0 recommendation, the proposal now moves to the full Sangamon County Board for final consideration. The County Board is expected to vote on the matter March 23 at 6:00 p.m. at the BOS Center, where additional public comment may be heard before a final decision is made.