Palm Coast Fast-Tracks Restrictions and Supermajority Requirements For Approving Future Data Centers
The Palm Coast City Council is fast-tracking new amendments to its Land Development Code that will significantly restrict future data center approvals. These changes will prohibit data centers by right, requiring industrial zoning, strict environmental criteria, and a supermajority council vote. This policy shift is a response to growing concerns and a public backlash against data centers, especially after the secretive administrative approval of a DC Blox facility in 2024.
The Palm Coast City Council is rapidly advancing new, restrictive amendments to its Land Development Code concerning data center development. These proposed changes, discussed and refined by city planners and council members, will effectively make data centers a prohibited use by right, requiring a special exception, industrial zoning, and a supermajority vote from the five-member council for approval.
Senior Planner Michael Hanson informed the council that the existing code was silent on data centers, making these proposed additions a significant policy shift. Council member Ty Miller had previously suggested a moratorium on new data center developments, mirroring a move by the County Commission, but the city administration opted to fast-track these regulatory updates instead, deeming a separate moratorium unnecessary.
The new regulations stand in contrast to the 2024 administrative approval of a DC Blox cable landing station in Town Center. This project, which will be operational by 2027, was approved through an amendment to a planned unit development order with near-complete secrecy, taking advantage of a state law provision for economic development projects and remaining below the square footage threshold for public review. Although considered "low-impact" by some council members due to its closed-loop water system, even such facilities would now require a special exception.
Council member Theresa Pontieri secured agreement for additional conditions to be attached to any future data center approvals, including requirements for closed-loop water systems, reliance on independent energy grids, and measures against noise pollution. Planning Manager Phong Nguyen emphasized the need for council discretion as data center technologies evolve. The proposed changes are currently a draft of the Land Development Code’s third chapter and are still a work in progress, with their timing potentially impacting future large-scale developments like the Radyent "westward expansion."