The commission voted 5-0 to approve amendments to the city's zoning and subdivision codes that represent the most significant shift in data center regulation. Under the new rules, data centers must now go through a conditional use permit process—meaning they need Planning Commission approval rather than being automatically allowed. The changes also prohibit large multi-building data center campuses and require detailed studies on energy, water, and noise impacts before approval.

The stricter rules came after public concern about environmental strain. Resident Charles Banks warned that "water is a finite resource" and noted that Dakota County's primary water source, the Jordan aquifer, is already under pressure from rapid population growth. Planning consultant Daniel Lick explained that while the ordinance doesn't set specific water limits, applicants must prove their projects fit within the city's existing service capacity.

In other approvals, the commission unanimously backed three development projects. It approved a conditional use permit for a property at 200010 Hamburg Avenue to allow an oversized accessory building that predates current zoning rules. It also approved an interim use permit for a single-family home at 20975 Howland Avenue in a downtown district now zoned for higher-density development, allowing the homeowner to make improvements while requiring future redevelopment to follow new zoning standards.

The commission also approved a preliminary plat for Palmer Crossing, a 24-lot single-family subdivision at 7880 202nd Street proposed by local builder Paling Family Homes. A nearby resident, Jennifer Clinkner, raised concerns about increased traffic on local streets and requested access to County Road 50, but staff confirmed the project follows existing plans and that county roads are under county jurisdiction. All votes were unanimous. The zoning amendments and subdivision plat now move to the City Council for final approval.