Olive Branch proposes data center regulations
Olive Branch, Mississippi, is proposing new regulations for data centers, including requiring conditional use permits and stricter guidelines for setbacks, noise, and utility infrastructure. The Planning Commission unanimously approved the changes, which aim to protect residents from negative impacts like noise, water, and power strain. These proposed regulations are a direct response to public concerns and a previous data center project that was halted due to outcry.
The Olive Branch Planning Commission has unanimously voted to approve new regulations that would require data centers to obtain a conditional use permit, subjecting them to stricter guidelines. This decision, made at a July 14 meeting, aims to protect the city and its residents from potential negative impacts such as noise, strain on water and power infrastructure, and decreased property values in nearby residential areas.
Planning Director Dr. Venard Asongayi highlighted that while data centers are not new, recent concerns about large facilities like xAI in Memphis and Southaven regarding noise and water usage have prompted local governments to act. Olive Branch currently lacks specific zoning regulations for these types of uses. Asongayi explained that without the change, a data center could be considered an allowable use by right in M1 or light industrial districts, bypassing public review and administrative oversight.
Requiring a conditional use permit would mandate data center applicants to appear before the Board of Zoning Adjustments, adhere to stricter requirements, and undergo public hearings, with the Board of Aldermen making the final determination. This proactive step follows a previous incident in June where the Planning Commission denied a rezoning request for a DeSoto Innovation District, which included a data center, due to significant public outcry.
The proposed regulations encompass tiered setback requirements (500 to 2,000 feet from protected uses), noise controls (capping levels at 55 dbA during the day), and a mandatory infrastructure plan detailing power demand, cooling systems, and water management. Residents at the public hearing offered suggestions, including stricter decibel limits, requiring acoustic barriers, increased setbacks, property value analyses, and a 12-month moratorium. Planning Commissioner Janice Lewis also suggested making neighborhood meetings mandatory for applicants. The proposed regulations will now proceed to the Board of Aldermen for final approval.