Lexington council to take first vote on data center moratorium extension
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council is preparing to vote on extending the city’s data center moratorium for one year, potentially through Oct. 31, 2027. Council members are also advancing new zoning language and a dedicated data center zone while considering broader regulations after public opposition and comments.
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council is scheduled to give first readings to three data center-related measures: removing data center definitions from existing zones, creating a dedicated data center zone and extending the current moratorium for another year. The moratorium is set to expire at the end of the month, and Vice Mayor Dan Wu said the extension would prevent DART Points and other companies from obtaining data center permits during the additional year.
Council members said the delay would provide time to develop more comprehensive regulations, potentially including a complete ban or tighter controls. Council Member Emma Curtis plans to seek an immediate second reading and vote on the measures, while Tyler Morton said the new zoning process could involve the Board of Adjustments and distribute development impacts more fairly among communities.