Dawson Springs council advances proposed 12-month data center moratorium
The Dawson Springs City Council held the first reading of an ordinance that would impose a 12-month moratorium on approving or permitting new data centers within the city. The council also began considering a zoning change requested by Ideal Properties, LLC, with both ordinances scheduled for a second reading on Oct. 29.
The Dawson Springs City Council conducted the first reading of Ordinance 2026-12, which would temporarily prevent the city from approving new data centers, issuing related permits or authorizing construction for 12 months. City Clerk Martha Hamby said the moratorium is intended to give the city time to study data centers and consider appropriate land-use regulations rather than establish a permanent ban.
The city participates in the Hopkins County Joint Planning Commission, which voted Sept. 24 to approve a temporary moratorium and recommended approval of a separate rezoning request. Ordinance 2026-11 would rezone property owned by Ideal Properties, LLC, including land at 1620A Industrial Park Road and an additional 13.45 acres, from residential and rural classifications to C2 Neighborhood Business District. Both ordinances are set for second readings at a special council meeting on Oct. 29.