A data center boom is underway in the United States. Communities across the country, including Edgerton, are being approached by companies looking to build. The City of Edgerton is committed to transparency and helping our residents understand how data centers may affect them.
What is a data center?
A data center is basically a big, secure building full of computers that store and process information for the internet and businesses.
When you open a website, use an app, or save a file to the cloud, you’re not accessing something floating in space. You’re connecting to a real physical computer sitting in a data center somewhere.
Inside a data center, you’ll find:
- Rows of powerful computers (called servers)
- Cooling systems to keep them from overheating
- Backup power so they stay on even during outages
- Strong security (both digital and physical)
We have relied on data centers for years. Modern data centers are becoming even more critical as demand for digital services continues to grow.
Does Edgerton have any active data center projects?
Yes. DAMAC Digital submitted an application for Preliminary Plat (Application No. PP2026-0001) and Final Site Plan (Application No. FSP2026-0002). More information about the DAMAC project can be found here.
Does Edgerton have rules in place to regulate data center construction?
Yes, the City of Edgerton has strict zoning regulations. This includes regulating where a data center could be built, the building materials and layout on the property, and things like outdoor storage, landscaping, and lighting.
Data centers are allowed in Edgerton's L-P zoning district. You can see the City's zoning map on Johnson County AIMS.
Common Concerns
WATER: New data centers are implementing advanced technology such as air-cooled or closed-loop cooling systems that significantly reduce or eliminate the need for water from the public water supply. These advanced technologies are designed for maximum water efficiency, typically achieving a Water Usage Effectiveness (WUE) near zero.
ENERGY USAGE AND RATES: Evergy put out a DATA CENTER FACTS AND FAQS handout for customers. This handout includes many questions specific to data center construction. Evergy states that “data centers reduce future rate increases for existing customers by paying a significant portion of the ongoing costs to operate and maintain the electrical grid.” In addition, Evergy states that “data centers must pay a premium rate, that is as much as 20% higher than existing large customer demand rates, to help pay for new investments in generation and transmission and protect existing customers from shouldering those costs.”
Regarding energy supply, Evergy is required to have enough power to meet its highest load plus maintain a reserve. It cannot add new customers without already having that extra capacity.
NOISE: Noise levels outside the building depend on the type of electrical and mechanical equipment used for the project. Generally, new facilities do not produce a disruptive amount of noise, especially relative to the regular levels of ambient noise outside the building.
You will hear occasional noise outside the building from back-up generators and chillers during brief testing periods. These generators are necessary to provide emergency power during an outage. These generators would be permitted by Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) on behalf of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). That permit regulates the emission, noise level and run time of the generators.
Generator manufacturers have also developed new technology to reduce noise and vibration, including the use of sound-attenuated enclosures, specialized exhaust systems and sound-absorbing materials within the unit.
LIGHTING: Lights can be used to illuminate the building, but when next to residential, Edgerton regulations do not permit lights to extend beyond the property line. Light fixtures are designed and positioned to direct light downward and away from nearby properties. While you may be able to see a light pole or fixture from your window, it should not cast a shadow when you are on adjacent residential property.
Community Impact
Data centers invest a lot of money in buildings and equipment, which generate tax revenue. This can help support city services like infrastructure, public safety, and maintenance. All of the different taxing jurisdictions, including schools, fire district, the county and others, benefit from projects like these.
Data centers also typically create a significant number of construction jobs, particularly in the trades like HVAC and electrical. They typically have a smaller number of permanent, high-skilled technology-oriented positions, with support jobs focused in the trades and security.
