Kokomo council to consider zoning change allowing data centers on industrial sites, plus $128M 2027 budget

The Kokomo Common Council will hold a second reading of an amended zoning ordinance at its Sept. 14, 2026 meeting that would add data centers as a permitted use on all industrial sites. The draft ordinance includes a 200-foot setback from residential properties and a 300-foot separation from an existing residence but does not expand restrictions on noise or utility use. About a dozen members of the public opposed the proposal at the prior meeting. The meeting begins with a 5:30 p.m. pre-meeting in the Louks Room and a 6 p.m. council session in City Hall Chambers at 100 S Union St.

The Sept. 14 agenda also includes a public hearing on Kokomo’s proposed $128 million 2027 budget; the council scheduled a vote to adopt that budget for Sept. 28, 2026. Council President Greg Davis told the station a moratorium on new data-center developments had been discussed previously but lacked majority support, and Mayor Tyler Moore said developers have shown interest in Howard County while council members said they know of no Kokomo projects currently underway.

BusinessIndy examines this development and its implications for Indiana businesses and communities using the linked sources.