Lexington on track to extend data center moratorium as residents voice strong opposition
Lexington City Council voted to advance an extension of Fayette County's data center moratorium through October 2027 and move forward with new zoning rules. Residents strongly opposed the developments, citing energy use, noise, water and environmental concerns, while DartPoints and business advocates warned that overly restrictive rules could hinder economic growth.
Lexington residents packed a City Council meeting and overwhelmingly spoke against new data centers, raising concerns about electricity demand, noise, environmental impacts, water and regulatory enforcement. Hudson Chamberlain of the No AI in KY coalition said residents did not want hyperscale facilities as neighbors, while other speakers supported data centers if they were subject to effective controls.
The council voted unanimously to add an extension of the existing data center moratorium through October 2027. It also advanced zoning language that would bar large hyperscale facilities and impose new restrictions on smaller centers, while directing the planning commission to develop a dedicated data center-only zone. The amended proposal is scheduled for a first reading, and DartPoints, utility representatives, business advocates and others cautioned that the rules could affect economic development and existing infrastructure.