Review Checklist

Municipal data center project review checklist.

A practical checklist for councils, planning boards, staff, and consultants reviewing proposed data center projects.

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Downloadable Checklist

Download the municipal data center project review checklist as a Word document for editing or a PDF for presentations and meetings.

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Power and grid

MW load: what is the initial and full-build electrical load?
Ramp schedule: when will the load come online?
Utility study: has the utility completed a service or interconnection study?
Required upgrades: are substations, feeders, transformers, or transmission upgrades required?
Cost allocation: who pays for project-related infrastructure?
Emergency grid conditions: can the site curtail, shift, or reduce load if required?

Water

Cooling type: closed-loop, open-loop, evaporative, air-cooled, liquid-cooled, or hybrid?
Water source: municipal, well, reclaimed, industrial reuse, or other?
Annual consumption: what is the projected yearly water use?
Peak-day demand: what is the maximum expected daily use?
Drought response: how will the facility operate during water restrictions?
Reporting: will the facility report water use periodically?

Zoning and site design

Noise: has a sound study been completed?
Setbacks: are setbacks appropriate for neighboring uses?
Screening: are equipment yards, generators, and substations screened?
Lighting: does exterior lighting limit spillover and glare?
Traffic: has construction traffic been addressed?
Emergency access: have fire and emergency services reviewed the site?

Backup power and safety

Generator count: how many generators are proposed?
Testing schedule: how often will generators be tested?
Fuel storage: what type and quantity of fuel will be stored onsite?
Containment: what spill prevention and containment systems are included?
Emissions: what air permitting or emissions requirements apply?
Emergency plan: is there a coordinated emergency response plan?

Economic impact

Capital investment: what is the estimated total project cost?
Construction jobs: how many construction workers are expected?
Permanent jobs: how many ongoing roles are expected?
Tax base: what taxable value is expected?
Local vendors: what services may be purchased locally?
Community benefit: are there workforce, education, or infrastructure commitments?
This checklist is intended as a starting point. Municipalities should tailor requirements to local utilities, water availability, land use plans, emergency response capacity, and state law.