The Brewer Planning Board voted Monday to recommend that the City Council approve changes to the city’s rules governing data center projects.
A public information session on the proposed changes is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24, at the Brewer Auditorium. The Brewer City Council is scheduled to consider the amendments Dec. 8 and again Jan. 12, 2027.
In its meeting notice, the city said it isn’t currently negotiating with any data center developers. The amendments would establish rules for evaluating future proposals and would not approve a particular development.
The amendments would strengthen requirements governing data center development and operations while increasing the allowable size from 20 to 50 megawatts in the Industrial 2 zoning district, which is primarily located behind the Brewer landfill.
The proposed amendments “are intended to balance economic opportunity with strong local oversight,” according to the notice. “They are designed to encourage investment that could strengthen Brewer’s tax base while ensuring that any future development remains subject to rigorous review, clear performance standards, and ongoing accountability to the community.”
The city said it worked with a noise engineer to develop stronger noise standards and ongoing monitoring requirements.
The amendments would require closed-loop cooling for server racks and IT equipment, with all process wastewater treated by Brewer’s wastewater system.
They would also require supporting studies addressing noise, water supply, wastewater and public safety, along with monitoring and reporting before construction and during operation.
A developer would be required to enter into a binding community benefit agreement with the city, subject to City Council review and approval.