Mt. Orab data center debate reignites as commissioners consider new guidelines for construction
The Mt. Orab Planning Commission presented a new "High Tech Overlay" proposal to regulate data center construction, following a previous moratorium and scrapped zoning codes. The meeting, held at a church due to high attendance, saw strong community opposition to a data center project by DB STU LLC. Officials debated the necessity of new rules versus seeking a legal opinion on existing zoning.
The Mt. Orab Planning Commission introduced a comprehensive "High Tech Overlay" (HTO) proposal to regulate high-tech businesses, including data centers, within the village's industrial zones. This initiative follows the Mt. Orab Village Council's decision in early 2026 to discard modern zoning regulations and implement a moratorium on data center construction.
The proposal was presented at a crowded meeting in the Mt. Orab First Baptist Church, where many residents voiced strong opposition to a planned data center development on properties within the "mega site." Commissioner Shane Ogden confirmed that DB STU LLC had purchased these properties with the intent of developing a data center. Anthony Casbar, President of Southern Ohio Responsible Development, highlighted community concerns, particularly regarding initial non-disclosure agreements signed by village officials.
Commissioner Mike Kirk, who helped draft the HTO rules, stated his belief that a permanent ban on data centers was impractical. He framed the HTO as a protective measure to impose stricter regulations on such facilities, including increased setbacks, traffic restrictions, reduced building height, lower noise limits, and enhanced landscaping requirements. While some residents argued that reverting to 1960s zoning codes effectively prevented data center construction, others feared the HTO might inadvertently open the door for them. Wayne Reveal, a member of the Mt. Orab Data Center Committee, urged the council to obtain a legal opinion on the permissibility of data centers under current industrial zoning before proceeding. Village administrators are scheduled to meet to integrate public feedback into a refined draft, with another public hearing expected before a final vote by the commission and subsequent consideration by the Village Council.