Lexington city council unanimously extends data center moratorium for one year, set to end Oct. 2027
The Lexington City Council unanimously extended the city's data center moratorium for one year, through October 2027. Council members also indicated that proposed data center zoning changes are expected to return for consideration on Oct. 22.
The Lexington City Council voted unanimously to extend the city's moratorium on data center development for another year, setting its expiration for October 2027. The council first voted 10-1 to fast-track the ordinance, with Councilmember Sheehan opposing the suspension of rules because of concerns about providing more time for public input, then approved the extension 11-0.
Councilmember Emma Curtis said the issue was personal because of her family's experience with cancer and exposure to potentially harmful unregulated materials. Other council members said the vote reflected strong public sentiment against allowing data centers to be developed in Lexington without stricter safeguards. Proposed zoning changes governing data centers are expected to return to the council on Oct. 22.