Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council votes to extend data center moratorium
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council voted to extend the city-county’s data center moratorium through Oct. 31, 2027. The moratorium prevents officials from accepting or reviewing data center plans, approving related zoning changes, or issuing permits, amid resident concerns about energy use, cooling systems and emissions.
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council extended its data center moratorium through Oct. 31, 2027, replacing an expiration date at the end of the month. The extension followed an hour of public comment in which residents voiced opposition to data center development and cited concerns about large power demands, cooling towers and diesel generators.
The council also considered regulations and a zoning initiative for data centers. A motion to advance the regulatory language to a second reading failed 6-5, while the proposed data center zoning resolution received no second and failed. Two remaining items are scheduled for a second reading Oct. 22, with Council Member Emma Curtis supporting expedited action and Council Member Liz Sheehan calling for more public input and transparency.