Data center policy begins to take shape for county
The Grayson County Board of Supervisors unanimously directed the Planning Commission to develop a policy requiring special use permits for data centers proposed in industrial areas. Officials are still determining appropriate rules for facility size, noise, lighting, setbacks and permitted locations, and the county has no current data center site or sufficient electrical infrastructure.
The Grayson County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on Oct. 8 to direct the Planning Commission to require special use permits for data centers proposed on industrial sites. The action begins development of a county policy rather than approving or rejecting a specific project.
Zoning Administrator Jada Black said the county must define data centers as a distinct land use and determine where different types and sizes of facilities should be allowed. Supervisors and staff also discussed noise, light pollution, setbacks and whether smaller facilities should remain allowed by right. The county is working with the Berkley Group on policy language, although officials noted that Grayson County currently has no likely data center site or the electrical infrastructure needed to support one.