Lexington enacts moratorium on data center development
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council unanimously passed a temporary moratorium on new data center development in Fayette County, effective until October 31. This action allows the Lexington Planning Commission time to develop updated zoning regulations and address concerns regarding environmental impacts, utility costs, and job creation. The moratorium follows data center company DartPoints' recent acquisition of property for an expansion project.
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council unanimously enacted a temporary moratorium on data center development in Fayette County, effective until October 31. This measure halts the acceptance of zoning map changes, development plan reviews, and permit issuance specifically for data centers. The council fast-tracked the resolution, suspending normal rules to pass it the same day it was introduced.
Concurrently, the council passed a second resolution directing the Lexington Planning Commission to initiate a zoning text amendment focusing on data center policy. The commission is already considering new regulations, including prohibiting data centers larger than 50,000 square feet in industrial zones and addressing environmental protections.
The moratorium comes shortly after data center company DartPoints announced its acquisition of a former Lexmark property in north Lexington, with plans to expand it for cloud and AI computing. Although the property is already zoned for data center use, District 5 Council Member Liz Sheehan, who introduced the moratorium, stated it would allow the planning commission time to modernize existing zoning ordinances and gather public input. Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton supports tight regulations on data centers in Fayette County and opposes public incentives for DartPoints' project, citing concerns over low job creation and potential increases in utility costs for residents. The Planning Commission is scheduled to discuss data center regulations at an upcoming meeting.