City of Murray considering new data center zoning regulations
The City of Murray, Kentucky, is proposing new zoning regulations for future data center projects, including specific requirements for industrial zones and setbacks. The city's Planning Commission advanced the proposal to a public hearing on June 9, allowing residents to comment on the changes. If approved by the Planning Commission, the regulations will then go to the Murray City Council for final adoption.
Murray, Kentucky, officials are proposing new zoning regulations specifically tailored for future data center developments in the city. The City of Murray's Planning Commission voted to advance these proposed regulations to a public hearing, which is the initial step in the city's process for adopting such changes to its zoning ordinances.
City Administrator Jim Osborne explained that the city aims to proactively establish regulations to protect the community, as there are currently no data center projects underway in the Calloway County community and no specific zoning language addressing these facilities. The proposed regulations, as outlined by Director of Planning Carol Downey, would restrict data centers to industrial districts and mandate setbacks of at least 1,500 feet from residential, commercial, agricultural, and "sensitive use" properties, and 500 feet from all other existing buildings.
The public hearing for community input on the proposed regulations is scheduled for June 9 at 4 p.m. Following this, the Planning Commission may recommend the changes to the Murray City Council, which would then need to hold two separate readings of an ordinance for the regulations to be adopted. Kentucky utility groups have reported interest from over two dozen potential data center projects across the commonwealth, highlighting the regional relevance of such proactive zoning measures.