Oldham County Planning Commission Changes Zoning Rules for Data Centers Amid Opposition

Oldham County, Kentucky residents are expressing outrage over a proposed ordinance that would permit large data centers in Industrial Park District (IPD) zones, which critics argue are unsuitable for heavy industrial uses. The county's zoning ordinance defines IPD as a planned business and light-industrial park, explicitly excluding intense operations like concrete plants or metal foundries, which residents believe should also apply to data centers.

The controversy stems from a decision by the Oldham County Planning Commission, which voted to change zoning regulations to allow "large" data centers in IPD zones. This move reportedly followed pressure from a data center developer, as revealed in a secretly recorded meeting where a county magistrate suggested leaving with "clear marching orders" to "exempt IPD." Critics contend that the planning commission disregarded its duty to uphold zoning laws and ignored public outcry and recommendations from a data task force to restrict hyperscale data centers to heavy industrial (I-2) zones.

Residents highlight the significant impact of large data centers, including enormous power and water consumption, 24-hour operations, noise from backup generators, diesel emissions, and strain on local infrastructure. They also demand that developers be explicitly required to pay for all necessary infrastructure upgrades, rather than leaving the cost to county residents. Concerned citizens are urged to contact their magistrates before the Fiscal Court takes action on the ordinance in August.