Porter County Council Statement on Data Centers

Porter County Council Statement on Data Centers

The Porter County Council recognizes the growing public interest in data center developments. Recently, a data center developer (AXPK,LLC) has expressed interest in establishing a facility within the unincorporated areas of the County.

Before any County approvals, including plans or permits, can be considered, the petitioner must first request and obtain approval for zoning map amendments.

Decision-Making Process

Zoning map amendments follow a structured process:

  • Plan Commission & Board of County Commissioners Role: Starting with the Plan Commission, these bodies are responsible for the review and making decisions on zoning map amendments.
  • Porter County Council's Role: The Council's authority/involvement is limited, by law, to fiscal/financial matters, such as approving budgets, appropriating public funds, bonding for public improvements, abatements, etc.  Under Indiana law, the Council is NOT the County’s legislative branch; moreover, no formal request has been made to the Porter County Council regarding this data center project.

Public Involvement & Transparency

Porter County is committed to a transparent process, as required by Indiana Code and the Porter County Unified Development Ordinance:

  • All zoning map amendment considerations are addressed in public meetings.
  • These meetings provide a platform for the petitioner to present their case and formal hearings for the public to share input.
  • Meeting dates and times will be communicated through various public channels.

Special Informational Meeting Information

Given the nature of this proposed project, the Commissioners are requested that the petitioner introduce their request and plans at the special public meeting that was held on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at the Porter County Expo Center, 215 East Division Road, Valparaiso Indiana hosted by the Porter County Plan Commission. 

This meeting link is located on YouTube: https://www.portercountyin.gov/2138/Union-Township-Data-Center

  • Served as an informational session for both the Plan Commission and the public.
  • Did not involve any decisions or votes by the Plan Commission.
  • Was held at the Porter County Expo Center, 215 East Division Road, Valparaiso, IN 46383

The Porter County Council values public engagement and encourages residents to participate in this process.