Shadowbox Studios appeals DeKalb County data center moratorium
Shadowbox Studios is appealing DeKalb County's moratorium on data center applications, seeking to build a data center on its 155-acre property. The county refused to process the studio's permit application due to the moratorium, which was enacted to study environmental impacts and create regulations. The appeal will be heard by the Zoning Board of Appeals on September 9th, with opportunities for community input.
Shadowbox Studios is challenging DeKalb County's moratorium on data center developments, appealing the county's refusal to process its application to convert a film studio permit into a data center permit. The studio aims to construct a data center on its approximately 155-acre property in southwest DeKalb County and sent a letter to the county's Zoning Board of Appeals seeking approval for its application.
DeKalb County commissioners first implemented a 90-day moratorium on data center applications in July and have since voted to extend it multiple times. A county spokesperson confirmed the studio's application was not processed due to this moratorium. The moratorium's stated goal is to allow the county to study the impacts of data centers and develop regulations to protect residents' health and the environment.
Commissioner Ted Terry, representing Super District 6 where Shadowbox Studios is located, stated that data centers are one of the most significant issues he has encountered in his 13 years in office, noting extensive public engagement on the matter. While he cannot directly discuss the ongoing appeal, Shadowbox Studios argues that the moratorium violates its rights, claiming it was previously assured by county staff that the property could be developed as a data center. The Zoning Board of Appeals is scheduled to review the appeal on September 9th at 1 p.m., with community members also invited to provide input.