As a reminder, I am going back in time (a few months) to compile data center data by Minnesota counties. In July 2026, Shakopee posts FAQs on data centers at Dean’s Lake. They explain, “The Dean Lakes facility is an example of this smaller type of data center” and explain why the project cannot be stopped…
The property is zoned for industrial uses, and data centers are a permitted use under the City’s zoning ordinance. Under Minnesota law, when a project complies with applicable zoning and building requirements, it is reviewed through an administrative process rather than a discretionary approval by the City Council. Because this project meets the applicable requirements, the City does not have the authority to deny it based on its use.
In August, the South Metro Scoop explained why Shakopee might be interested in discussing data centers…
A data center is a giant building full of computers. It stores files, runs apps, and now feeds a lot of AI. They want cheap power, cool weather, and a lot of water for cooling. Minnesota has become a magnet. MPR News spent 2025 on that boom. Towns from the metro to the Iron Range are staring at proposals. The pitch is jobs and tax base. The fear is your electric bill, your well, and a low hum you can feel in the walls. South metro cities are already writing rulebooks. Eagan staff said the city legally can’t just ban them. So Eagan is racing to regulate noise, water, and power before a pause expires. Rosemount passed a one-year pause on new applications. Shakopee has not done either of those things. Tuesday was the first public “we need to talk about this” from the dais. There was no site named. No developer named. No map. Just: bring it back. That’s actually useful. It means residents can show up before a specific project lands. When it comes back, ask the boring questions. How much water? How much power? How close to homes? Who pays if the substation has to grow? Eagan’s already-running center uses about 7 million gallons a year. Staff there said that’s not even a top-10 city water user. The next wave of AI buildings may not be that polite.