After packed public hearing, Lexington council to consider extending data center moratorium
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council is considering extending Fayette County's temporary data center moratorium through October 2027. The council is also weighing new zoning rules that would ban hyperscale data centers and regulate smaller facilities, amid strong public opposition over environmental, power and water concerns.
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council voted unanimously to place an ordinance extending the county's temporary data center moratorium on its agenda for a first reading. The current ban expires at the end of the month, and the proposed extension would remain in effect through October 2027 if approved on second reading.
About 50 residents addressed the council at a special public hearing, with many urging officials to reject data center development in Fayette County. Opposition has focused on potential environmental hazards, noise, water consumption and electricity demand, including a proposal to expand data center space at the former Lexmark site in North Lexington.
Council members are also considering separate zoning measures introduced by Tyler Morton. The proposals would establish dedicated zoning for smaller data centers and prohibit hyperscale facilities larger than 50,000 square feet throughout Fayette County, while allowing some smaller facilities in designated areas. Final passage is tentatively scheduled for Oct. 22, although the council could advance the ordinances more quickly.