Porter County Government Statement on Data Centers (March 24, 2025)

Porter County Government Statement on Data Centers

Porter County government recognizes the growing public interest in data center developments. Recently, a data center has expressed interest in establishing a facility within the county’s unincorporated areas.

Before any County approvals, including plans or permits, can be considered, the petitioner must submit an application 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.
  • County Council's Role: The Council's involvement is limited to financial matters, such as bonding for public improvements or abatements.  No formal requests or discussions have taken place with the 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

Given the nature of this proposed project, the County requests the petitioner to introduce their application and plans at a special public meeting of the Porter County Plan Commission. This meeting will:

  • Take place before the formal public hearing process, the date of this meeting has yet to be determined.
  • Serve as an informational session for both the Plan Commission and the public.
  • Not involve any decisions or votes by the Plan Commission.
  • Be held at a venue large enough to accommodate attendees, with advance notice provided.

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