Skip survey header

Managing Data Centers in Salem: Preliminary Recommendations

Preliminary Recommendations for Managing Data Centers in Salem

The City of Salem's Data Center Task Force has developed preliminary recommendations for managing data centers in Salem, and the City has developed a proposed code amendment as a first step. These recommendations reflect input received from the community so far. We want to hear from you to ensure your perspectives continue to shape this work! 

Please take this survey, and submit your responses by 5 p.m. on October 27, 2026. You can check back here for updates and more opportunities to provide input. Thank you.

Take our survey in Spanish. Responda a nuestra encuesta en español.
1. Allowed or Prohibited Uses

Proposed Code Amendment:
  • Prohibit large hyperscale data centers 
  • Only allow smaller data centers that use up to a maximum of 10 megawatts of power
  • Allow small accessory data centers that serve other main uses on the same property like offices
Question: To what extent do you agree or disagree with this idea?
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly AgreeDon't Know
2. Review and Approval Process

Proposed Code Amendment: Require proposed data centers (those that use between 2 and 10 megawatts of power) to go through a public hearing 

Question: To what extent do you agree or disagree with this idea?
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly AgreeDon't Know
3. Zones

Proposed Code Amendment: Only allow data centers in 4 zones (Employment Center, Industrial Business Campus, Industrial Park, and Public Service zones)

Question: To what extent do you agree or disagree with this idea?
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly AgreeDon't Know
4. Buffers

Proposed Code Amendment: Require data centers to be at least 1,000 feet away from residential or mixed use-zoned properties, schools, and data centers (those that use between 2 and 10 megawatts of power)

Question: To what extent do you agree or disagree with this idea?
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly AgreeDon't Know
5. Noise

Proposed Code Amendment: Establish a new noise standard that limits low-frequency noise

Question: To what extent do you agree or disagree with this idea?
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly AgreeDon't Know
6. Generators

Proposed Code Amendment: Only allow generators/turbines as backup/emergency power source (natural gas, lower emission diesel)

Question: To what extent do you agree or disagree with this idea?
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly AgreeDon't Know
7. Utilities

Proposed Code Amendment: Require the developer to construct adequate water, wastewater, and stormwater facilities if they do not already exist  

Question: To what extent do you agree or disagree with this idea?
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly AgreeDon't Know
8. Water

Proposed Code Amendment: Prohibit water intensive cooling systems (no routine water withdrawal)

Question: To what extent do you agree or disagree with this idea?
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly AgreeDon't Know
9. Wastewater

Proposed Code Amendment: Regulate discharge of process wastewater, chemically treated water, etc.

Question: To what extent do you agree or disagree with this idea?
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly AgreeDon't Know
10. Stormwater

Proposed Code Amendment: Prohibit discharges of pollutants into the storm drainage system

Question: To what extent do you agree or disagree with this idea?
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly AgreeDon't Know
11. Transparency

Proposed Code Amendment: Require data center development proposals to provide expected power usage, noise study, cooling system identification, and water/sewer demand

Question: To what extent do you agree or disagree with this idea?
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly AgreeDon't Know
12. Renewable Energy

Task Force Preliminary Recommendation: Establish a renewable energy requirement or incentive

Question: To what extent do you agree or disagree with this idea?
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly AgreeDon't Know
13. Accountability and Monitoring

Task Force Preliminary Recommendation: Create a new licensing requirement that includes ongoing monitoring (e.g., noise, water use, and energy use), publicly-accessible reporting (e.g., dashboard), and penalties for violating standards

Question: To what extent do you agree or disagree with this idea?
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly AgreeDon't Know
14. Transportation Impacts

Task Force Preliminary Recommendation: Require a transportation impact study for the construction phase of large projects, and require mitigation of any road damage

Question: To what extent do you agree or disagree with this idea?
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly AgreeDon't Know
15. Generators and Air Quality

Task Force Preliminary Recommendation: Prohibit testing of generators when air quality is poor

Question: To what extent do you agree or disagree with this idea?
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly AgreeDon't Know
16. Buffers

Task Force Preliminary Recommendation: Require large trees or other buffers between data centers and other uses

Question: To what extent do you agree or disagree with this idea?
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly AgreeDon't Know
17. Water and Power Efficiency

Task Force Preliminary Recommendation: Create incentives for increasing power use efficiency and water use efficiency

Question: To what extent do you agree or disagree with this idea?
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly AgreeDon't Know
18. Other Uses

Task Force Preliminary Recommendation: Regulate other industrial uses that have large impacts on resources like water in a similar way as data centers

Question: To what extent do you agree or disagree with this idea?
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly AgreeDon't Know
0%