Effingham County Planning Staff Recommends Against Separate Data Center Ordinance
Effingham County Commissioners are discussing whether to create a specific data center ordinance, with planning staff recommending against it in favor of tightening existing industrial conditional use standards. A temporary moratorium is also being considered, and public opposition to data centers is evident. A site plan for Project Camellia was postponed.
Effingham County Commissioners held a Work Session to discuss the necessity of a specific ordinance for data center zoning and permitting. Akela Wright, a Planning Manager, advised against a new ordinance, suggesting instead that existing conditional use requirements for business and industrial zoning classifications be strengthened to address concerns like noise, lighting, and buffer zones. Commissioners also agreed on the need to establish standards for emergency backup generators and review ordinances for dust control and diesel generator use for all heavy industrial operations. The Planning Board will also work to define "data centers" as a business usage.
Commissioner Beth Helmly pressed for a discussion on a temporary moratorium, a topic she has advocated for since August, which was slated for discussion later that day. Public sentiment, as expressed by Ms. Gallaspie, indicated strong community opposition, with calls to cease data center development entirely. An attorney at the session advocated for a separate data center ordinance and raised concerns about Georgia Tech's research funding ties to tech companies.
Separately, an application for a site plan for "Project Camellia" by Octans Ga, LLC, located at Gateway Parkway Rincon, Ga., was postponed at the Tuesday evening meeting. A vote on the proposed regulatory changes, including the moratorium discussion, is expected at the November meeting. Commissioner Callahan also suggested that conditional use applications for business and industrial uses should be reviewed by the Planning Board in addition to the County Commissioners.