Commissioners debate data center zoning
Lawrence County Commissioners are debating implementing county-wide zoning laws for data centers, potentially including a moratorium, due to public concerns over electric rates, water usage, and noise. Commissioners are seeking more feedback from township trustees before making a decision, with a deadline approaching for a November ballot measure.
The Lawrence County Commissioners recently debated the implementation of county-wide zoning laws specifically targeting data centers, a discussion initiated by Commissioner Mike Finley. This initiative comes amidst growing public concerns regarding the impact of large-scale data centers on electricity rates, water consumption, and noise levels within the community.
County Administrator Dylan Bentley reported that out of all township trustees, only two supported the idea of the county assuming zoning responsibility for data centers. Commissioner DeAnna Holliday expressed reservations about a county-wide zoning approach, emphasizing that each township has unique characteristics and elected officials capable of making local zoning decisions. She stressed the need for extensive dialogue to ensure any potential county-wide plan is well-considered and works for all communities, noting that broad rules could be invasive, especially as existing companies like the courthouse and EMS also house server infrastructure that could technically be classified as data centers.
Commissioner Colton Copley echoed Holliday's concerns, cautioning against prematurely enacting legislation that might infringe upon the townships' local zoning rights without their explicit request. He underscored that zoning is inherently a local matter. The Commissioners are seeking more input from all township trustee boards. They face an August deadline to file any proposed county-wide zoning law to be placed on the November ballot.