An Ordinance Amending Chapter 49 of the Code of Ordinances, City of Aurora, by modifying Section 49-103.3 Definitions and Section 49-108.10 “ORI” Office, Research and Light Industry District regarding warehouses and Section 49-108.10 “ORI” Office, Research and Light Industry District, Section 49-109.2 "M-1" Manufacturing District, Limited and Section 49-109.3 "M-2" Manufacturing District, General regarding performance standards

This ordinance amends the City of Aurora's Code of Ordinances to update definitions, zoning permissions, and performance standards for warehouses and data centers. The legislative action follows a 180-day moratorium (Ordinance O25-064) on data center and warehouse developments, which expires March 24, 2026.

Key Provisions:

• Definition Update: Amends Section 49-103.3 to remove "computer systems and associated components" from the definition of "Warehouse, Distribution & Storage Services," effectively decoupling data centers from warehouse zoning.
• Zoning Restrictions: Limits warehouse use in the "ORI" (Office, Research and Light Industry) district to a conditional use, with limitations on loading docks (max 1 per 40,000 sq. ft.) and restricted gross floor area for storage.
• Performance Standards: Standardizes and tightens vibration performance standards across "ORI," "M-1" (Manufacturing, Limited), and "M-2" (Manufacturing, General) districts. The ordinance mandates compliance with specific displacement formulas based on vibration frequency and type (steady state vs. impulsive).

Procedural History:

• The Planning and Zoning Commission held public hearings on February 18, 2026, and March 4, 2026. Residents expressed significant concerns regarding noise, water consumption, power grid strain, and health impacts.
• The Commission voted 6-0 to forward the ordinance to the Building, Zoning, and Economic Development Committee, with an amendment to restrict data centers to "M-2" zoning only. The ordinance is scheduled for the March 18, 2026 Rules, Administration and Procedures (RAP) Committee meeting.