Kentucky city's Planning Commission to consider data center regulation
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Planning Commission is set to vote on proposed zoning changes that could ban major data centers and impose strict regulations on minor ones across Lexington and Fayette County. This initiative follows a unanimous moratorium enacted in June by the Urban County Council, halting new data center permits until October 31st, and is in response to public comment and concerns regarding environmental impact and nuisance.
The Lexington Fayette Urban County Planning Commission is scheduled to vote on significant zoning changes that could prohibit the development of large data centers and restrict minor ones within Lexington and Fayette County. This action comes after the Dallas-based company Dark Points purchased the former Lexmark data center on West New Circle Road in May.
In response to this development and public feedback, the Urban County Council unanimously passed a moratorium in June, temporarily stopping the approval of new data center permits, development plans, and zone changes until October 31st. The Council also directed planners to draft new zoning rules specifically for data centers.
The proposed zoning ordinance text amendment, which the Planning Commission will review today, seeks to ban major data centers (those 50,000 square feet and larger) entirely. It would also require conditional use approval for minor data centers (up to 150,000 square feet) only in areas zoned for warehouses, wholesale businesses, and light industrial uses. These minor data centers would be subject to protections, including required energy consumption and water conservation plans, as well as noise restrictions to prevent public nuisance and environmental damage.
The Planning Commission's vote today will serve as a recommendation; the final decision rests with the Urban County Council in the coming months. A public hearing on these proposed changes is scheduled for 1:30 PM today at the Council Chambers on East Main Street.