Floyd County Commission approves data center regs in front of a packed room

The Floyd County Commission has officially approved comprehensive new regulations governing data center projects in the county following a public hearing. The new ordinance restricts data centers to the Heavy Industrial zoning district and implements a variety of safeguards to address community concerns regarding noise, utility and water usage, environmental impacts, and land use.

Key provisions include mandatory acoustic studies for applicants, with required sound-reducing walls and noise limits of 65 dB(A) during the day and 55 dB(A) at night when adjacent to residential properties. Buildings must be constructed with sound-reducing materials and maintain a 600-foot setback from existing homes, with additional buffer requirements. Developers are also required to submit power, water, and broadband impact studies, secure written confirmation of utility capacity from providers, and enter into binding agreements to fund any necessary utility improvements.

For facilities using over 10 megawatts, an energy and sustainability plan is required, prioritizing closed-loop cooling systems and water reclamation. The ordinance prohibits private wells or direct connections to surface water sources, mandating public sewer service. Environmental protections include dark-sky-compatible lighting, restrictions on fencing materials, and landscaping to mitigate visual impact.

Additionally, developers must prepare emergency response plans and comprehensive decommissioning plans, providing financial guarantees like a bond or escrow account to cover the cost of facility removal and site restoration, ensuring the county is not liable for abandoned structures.