MASON, Mich. (Mid Michigan Gazette) — The City of Mason’s online portal for public comment regarding proposed Ordinance 266 has officially opened, according to a post to social media from city officials.
“City Council has established a formal comment period on proposed Ordinance 266,” the post reads. “Note, this is not intended to be a comment area to express your disagreement with the industry in general, but rather recommendations for improvements to the proposed ordinance.”
This comes after the Mason City Council originally approved a citizen advisory committee to be formed in response to Ordinance 266 at its Dec. 15, 2025, meeting. Approved Resolution 2026-01 rescinded that at the Jan. 5, 2025, meeting of the City Council and offered the formal public comment portal in its place.
City officials said in the resolution language that “The formation, organization, and operation of such a committee would require significant time and staff resources, which would delay the collection of public input and recommendations to the City Council. The City Council did not provide specific direction regarding the composition, scope, authority, or operating procedures of such a committee. By its nature, a citizen advisory committee would be comprised of a limited number of people and may exclude the input of other interested people or affected members of the public.”
Ordinance 266 has been a topic of discussion for the Mason community following efforts that were posted to the City of Mason’s social media on Nov. 19, 2025, and are “designed to set clear standards for data centers and other advanced technology uses in Mason.” The amended proposal outlines requirements, including berm heights, building setbacks, fencing around the building, and more.
Those interested in submitting feedback on Ordinance 266 can do so until 4:00 p.m. on Friday, January 23, 2026, at this link.
