Lexington council wants public input on data centers. How to weigh in
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council is seeking public input on data center regulations following a moratorium on new developments in Fayette County until October 31. The council has also instructed the Planning Commission to draft a zoning ordinance text amendment to provide specific guidance for data centers. Residents have expressed concerns regarding electricity and water usage by hyperscale data centers.
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council is actively seeking public input on data center regulations through its Engage Lexington online forum and information hub. This initiative follows the council's unanimous vote on June 9 to enact a moratorium on data center developments and associated permits in Fayette County, which is set to last until October 31.
Council Member Liz Sheehan, chair of the General Government and Planning Committee and sponsor of the moratorium, highlighted strong community sentiment for more robust regulation due to the current zoning ordinances being largely silent on data center specifics. Sheehan emphasized that residents demand thorough scrutiny of hyperscale data centers to protect local industries and community well-being, citing concerns about significant electricity and water consumption.
In parallel with the moratorium, the council has directed the Planning Commission to develop a zoning ordinance text amendment within 60 days to define data centers and provide guidelines for their placement. The commission is scheduled to hold a public comment session and potentially take action on this amendment at its July 30 meeting. Meanwhile, DartPoints, a data center developer, has been unable to proceed with changes to a recently acquired former Lexmark data center because it failed to file necessary applications before the moratorium took effect.