Indianapolis is developing a rule book for data centers due to no specific zoning framework in place. The Department of Metropolitan Development (DMD) is seeking to establish new standards for data center size, location, usage, and noise. The first draft of the proposed rules was released last week and the city held virtual information sessions to gather community feedback. The new special-use zoning district would require a full rezoning and public hearing, with a 65-decibel maximum at the property line, at all hours, and a 200-foot minimum separation between a data center's primary building and any residentially zoned "protected district." Critics argue that the draft fails to place meaningful limits on where data centers can be built. The proposed ordinance will be introduced to the City-County Council on June 1 and is aiming for final approval during the July council meeting.