The Short Version
The proposed M-3 ordinance was released on November 17, 2025, and the City Council is considering adopting it on February 2, 2026, just 77 days later. MSU experts say ordinances addressing "serious current issues" are expected to be a "long, time-consuming" process. Despite repeated requests from community members for more time, every request for an extension of the moratorium has been voted down.
What Experts Say About Zoning Ordinances
According to experts at Michigan State University Extension:
MSU Extension on Zoning Ordinances
"For many Michigan municipalities, adopting a new ordinance or amending an existing ordinance can be a daunting task. Not only must they make sure that they are in compliance with the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act and other related laws, they must also develop legal language that achieves desired results while avoiding any unintended consequences. This process can often be a long, time-consuming and costly one, as municipalities may need to hire a planner or attorney to develop and review the proposed language. Additionally, enacting a new ordinance can sometimes lead to significant public input and debate during its development process, as proposed new ordinances often arise to address serious current issues in the municipality."MSU Extension
An ordinance regulating hyperscale data center development is a "serious current issue" that could have "unintended consequences" without proper legal language. According to MSU, consideration of such an ordinance is expected to be a "long, time-consuming" process, not one rushed through in under three months.
The Timeline
Here's how the M-3 ordinance process has unfolded:
Ordinance Released
Proposed M-3 ordinance released to the public for the first time.
Public Notice Published
Notice of the ordinance published in the newspaper.
Second Reading Scheduled
Council was considering passing the ordinance at this meeting, just 28 days after release. A significant number of community members expressed concerns, leading to a 90-day moratorium and a citizen advisory committee.
Extension Requested
Community members requested the Council extend the moratorium to allow more research and public input. Request voted down.
Extension Requested Again
Community members again requested more time and identified unaddressed concerns. Request voted down.
Final Vote Scheduled
Council plans second reading and may adopt the ordinance, just 77 days after it was first released to the public.
Why This Matters
Concerns Remain Unaddressed
At subsequent City Council meetings, a significant number of community members continued to identify concerns with the ordinance that had not been addressed, or were inadequately addressed, in the City's drafts.
No Expert Rationale Provided
No formal written opinion from an expert or attorney has been provided to explain the rationale for rejecting provisions that were suggested to address community concerns.
Complex Issue, Short Timeline
Hyperscale data centers are a new type of development with significant impacts on water, power, noise, and property values. A 77-day review period is inadequate for such a consequential decision.
Public Input Ignored
Despite strong community turnout and repeated requests for more time, every request for a moratorium extension has been voted down.
What Responsible Process Looks Like
A Proper Review Would Include:
- Adequate time for residents to understand the full implications of the ordinance
- Independent expert review of legal language and potential unintended consequences
- Written responses to community concerns explaining why provisions were accepted or rejected
- Study of other communities that have dealt with hyperscale data center proposals
- Environmental and infrastructure assessments before committing to allow such development
The ordinance being considered on February 2nd will govern how data centers can be built in Mason for years to come. A decision of this magnitude deserves more than 77 days of review.
Learn More
Ask for More Time
Contact your City Council members and ask them to extend the moratorium and take the time needed to get this ordinance right.