Bowling Green approves data center regulations, rejects six-month review period
Bowling Green city leaders approved new zoning regulations for future data center development, establishing requirements for setbacks, utility capacity, noise, and other impacts. A separate proposal for a six-month review period to further study data center impacts was rejected by the City Commission.
The Bowling Green City Commission unanimously approved Ordinance BG2026-6, establishing new zoning regulations for future data center development within city limits and all other legislative bodies in Warren County except the Warren County Fiscal Court. These regulations, which take effect June 17, outline requirements for future proposals including setbacks, utility and infrastructure capacity, cooling systems, backup generators, noise and heat impacts, and decommissioning plans. The ordinance does not approve any specific data center project but creates a framework for evaluation.
The decision followed more than four hours of public comment where many residents urged commissioners to delay action for further study, citing concerns about potential consequences and the need for careful consideration. Residents emphasized that their calls for a pause were not anti-technology or anti-economic development, but focused on ensuring the right decisions are made.
Commissioners, including Melinda Hill and Carlos Bailey, supported establishing clear rules to remain open for business while acknowledging that additional questions about data centers persist. Following the ordinance's approval, Commissioner Dana Beasley-Brown reintroduced a municipal order proposing a six-month due diligence period for further review. This measure, aimed at increasing transparency, passed its first vote but ultimately failed on final passage by a 3-2 vote.