Background

The Metropolitan Development Commission is the appointed body overseeing zoning and land-use decisions for Indianapolis and Marion County, Indiana. Its recommendations go to the City-County Council for final approval.

On 1 July 2026 the Commission voted 5-3 to advance a special zoning ordinance for data centres rather than recommend a moratorium, setting requirements including setbacks of up to 400 feet from schools and other protected districts, a 65-decibel noise limit, decommissioning plans and annual reporting on energy and water use. The measure moves to the City-County Council, with a public hearing expected 13 July and a possible final vote 10 August 2026.

The Commission's zoning-only approach was overtaken by a separate body: the City-County Council's own Metropolitan Economic Development Committee voted 10-3 on 13 July 2026 to recommend a full moratorium on new data-centre approvals through 31 December 2027 instead, sponsored by Council President Maggie Lewis and backed by Mayor Joe Hogsett. The full City-County Council votes on the moratorium recommendation on 10 August 2026; the MDC's SU-47 zoning proposal has not itself been withdrawn.

Common Questions

What is the Indianapolis Metropolitan Development Commission?

The appointed body that oversees zoning and land-use decisions for Indianapolis and Marion County, Indiana.

Did Indianapolis ban data centres?

No. The Metropolitan Development Commission voted 5-3 on 1 July 2026 to advance zoning rules setting setbacks, noise limits and reporting requirements instead of a moratorium.

What are the new data centre rules in Indianapolis?

Setbacks of up to 400 feet from schools and protected districts, a 65-decibel noise limit, decommissioning plans and annual energy and water use reporting.

When will the Indianapolis City-County Council vote on data centres?

A public hearing is expected 13 July 2026, with a possible final council vote on 10 August 2026.

Did the Metropolitan Development Commission recommend a data centre moratorium?

No. The Commission voted 5-3 on 1 July 2026 to advance zoning rules instead. A separate City-County Council committee voted 10-3 on 13 July to recommend a full moratorium, overtaking the Commission's approach.Source: event

What are the new data centre rules proposed by Indianapolis's MDC?

Setbacks of up to 400 feet from schools and protected districts, a 65-decibel noise limit, decommissioning plans and annual energy and water use reporting.

When will Indianapolis's City-County Council vote on a data centre moratorium?

The full Council is scheduled to vote on 10 August 2026, on a moratorium recommendation from its Metropolitan Economic Development Committee, not the MDC's zoning proposal.

Source Material

Data center rules proposal clears initial vote in Indianapolis