Greenwood County leaders to discuss rezoning for potential data centers
The Greenwood County Planning Commission will meet to discuss amending the county's zoning ordinance to include data centers as a conditional use in certain districts. This move aims to establish strict guidelines for future data center developments, addressing current regulatory gaps regarding noise, light, and setbacks. The proposed amendment will proceed to the county council for further consideration after the commission's vote.
The Greenwood County Planning Commission is set to convene on May 26 to deliberate on significant amendments to the area's zoning ordinance, specifically targeting data center developments. The proposed changes seek to designate data centers as a conditional use within heavy industrial, light industrial, and rural development districts. This initiative comes despite the absence of any current data center proposals in the county, driven by officials' recognition of a "hole" in existing regulations regarding such facilities.
According to county spokesperson Abby Banks, the text amendment is designed to establish strict guidelines for potential data center locations, ensuring controlled development. Key requirements would include specific mandates for light and noise levels, along with necessary setbacks from roads and buffer zones for surrounding areas. Officials are particularly concerned that without these amendments, rural development districts could be vulnerable to unrestricted data center construction. The ordinance aims to provide the Greenwood County Council with enhanced control, oversight, and transparency for residents regarding future projects. Following the commission's vote on Tuesday, the amendment will advance to the county council for additional review and consideration on June 2.