Proposed changes to Lexington zoning codes would majorly limit data centers
Lexington, Kentucky planning staff has proposed a comprehensive zoning text amendment aimed at significantly restricting data centers within the city. The amendment would prohibit data centers in agricultural, tourism, and single-family residential zones, and outright ban major data centers larger than 50,000 square feet. This proposal follows a city-wide moratorium on data center development.
Lexington, Kentucky's planning staff has introduced a 20-page zoning text amendment designed to substantially limit data center operations in the city, according to a report by the Lexington Herald Leader. The proposed amendment seeks to prohibit data centers from operating in areas zoned for agricultural use, tourism, and single-family detached housing.
Under the new proposal, major data centers, defined as those exceeding 50,000 square feet, would be entirely banned. Minor data centers, up to 50,000 square feet, would be restricted to zones designated for warehouse businesses and light industry. The amendment also includes a specific definition of what constitutes a data center and outlines the required equipment and systems. Additionally, applications for proposed minor data centers must include specific information.
This regulatory effort comes shortly after the city council enacted a moratorium on all data center development within the city. This moratorium was prompted by a developer's acquisition of the former Lexmark facility, which was intended for conversion into a large-scale AI-supporting data center. The City Planning Commission has scheduled a public meeting for July 30 to discuss the proposed changes to the amendment.