Putnam County Considers Data Center Moratorium With Exemptions
The Putnam County Board of Commissioners approved, in its first public hearing, a data center moratorium that will not fully prevent new facilities. Unlike other Florida counties, Putnam's moratorium allows small data centers and even large ones if they do not require discretionary development approvals, such as zoning changes. This loophole could allow data centers on industrially zoned sites to proceed with ministerial approvals, potentially leading to legal challenges if the county tries to block them.
The Putnam County Board of Commissioners recently approved, during its initial public hearing, a data center moratorium that has drawn criticism for its limited scope. Unlike similar moratoriums enacted in neighboring Clay, Nassau, and Citrus counties, Putnam County's version does not apply to all data centers.
Under the proposed ordinance, which is slated for final enactment on September 8th, small data centers would be entirely exempt. Furthermore, even medium and large-scale facilities would be permitted if their development does not necessitate "discretionary" approvals, such as zoning changes. This distinction is crucial, as ministerial approvals, like building permits, are based on objective criteria and must be issued if plans comply with code. Critics argue this loophole would allow large data centers to proceed on industrially zoned sites, bypassing public input and potentially forcing the county to issue permits under threat of legal action, such as a writ of mandamus.