Data centers already have no place in Lakeland codes, officials say

Lakeland officials are considering a one-year moratorium on data center construction and large-scale industrial developments with high electrical demands, despite city attorney Palmer Davis stating that the current Land Development Code already prohibits data centers as they are not a listed permitted use. City commissioners held an initial public discussion, with further hearings scheduled for July 20 and August 3.

The proposed moratorium is intended to provide city staff, including Transportation and Development Review Manager Chuck Barmby and Director of Community and Economic Development Brian Rewis, time to define what constitutes a data center and to develop a clear framework for regulating them. Mayor Sara Roberts McCarley acknowledged the complexity and nuanced nature of the issue, particularly concerning the lack of a common definition for terms like "hyperscale."

Residents, including Polk County GOP chairman Sam Romain and Ashton Sharrett, who initiated a petition with over 1,500 signatures, have voiced strong opposition. Their concerns primarily revolve around the potential strain on Lakeland Electric's grid, the cost of necessary utility upgrades, and the impact on already stressed water resources, specifically the Upper Floridan Aquifer, especially given current drought conditions. Environmental factors like high humidity and hurricane threats were also raised by Sarah Calamunci of Florida Citizens Alliance.

While existing data centers like Cologix in Lakeland would not be allowed to expand, the moratorium aims to prevent new development until clearer rules are established. Residents urged commissioners to protect taxpayers and ratepayers, ensure transparency, and develop stringent regulations for any future data center proposals.