Cave City council presses pause button on data center developments
The Cave City Council has approved the first reading of a one-year moratorium on data center development within city limits. This temporary pause aims to allow city officials time to study potential impacts and establish new zoning rules and regulations for such facilities. A second reading and final vote are scheduled for May 20.
The Cave City Council approved the first reading of a one-year moratorium on data center development during a special-called meeting on Monday. This ordinance would temporarily halt the processing and approval of applications related to data centers and similar IT infrastructure facilities to allow city officials to study appropriate local regulations, as current zoning ordinances do not specifically address data centers.
City Attorney Bobby Richardson explained the moratorium would give the city time to determine if new zoning rules, land-use standards, or other regulations are needed. During this period, the Joint City-County Planning Commission of Barren County would be tasked with studying potential impacts, including infrastructure demands, environmental concerns, and land-use compatibility. The commission would then propose ordinance amendments or new regulations to the city council for consideration.
Public discourse on data centers has been growing locally, and the meeting drew a vocal audience. While the council held little discussion before the first reading vote, attendees raised questions, with some advocating for a more permanent ban on data centers. Cave City Mayor Dwayne Hatcher noted the limits of city authority, stating decisions could only be made for the city itself.
Councilwoman Leticia Cline affirmed the moratorium's purpose is to address public concerns and determine long-term zoning restrictions. The second reading and potential final vote for the ordinance are scheduled for a special-called meeting on Wednesday, May 20, at 5 p.m.