Leaders of Ky. county weigh draft data center ordinance
Scott County leaders in Kentucky are considering a draft ordinance to regulate data centers, following a public forum where residents voiced concerns about impacts including water service. This comes as other Kentucky localities like Woodford County have banned data centers and Lexington imposed a moratorium.
Scott County leaders in Kentucky are currently weighing a draft ordinance to regulate data center development. This action follows a public forum where local residents expressed significant concerns regarding the proliferation of data centers across the Bluegrass region.
According to Planning Director Holding Fleming, the proposed ordinance aims to establish clear rules for developers and address impacts not adequately covered by existing regulations, specifically mentioning the protection of water services. The draft suggests placing data centers in heavy industrial zones, requiring conditional permits for their operation.
This debate in Scott County is part of a broader trend throughout Kentucky. Woodford County and Midway City Councils have already taken stricter measures, becoming the first in the state to completely ban data centers, citing conflicts with their economic vision. Similarly, Lexington leaders imposed a moratorium on data center development until October 31st, a decision prompted by a Texas-based developer, Panda Tony, proposing a massive data center project on the former Lexmark property, which ignited intense zoning discussions.