When will Jackson have a data center ordinance? City attorney gives update
Jackson city officials are preparing an ordinance to govern data center development after the City Council approved a temporary moratorium. Saxum Investment Group is seeking to rezone more than 200 acres for a data center and power plant, but its request has been held without a vote.
Jackson City Attorney Drew Martin told the City Council that a proposed data center ordinance should be ready for council members soon. The ordinance would require developers to meet state requirements and obtain relevant approvals, with site-plan reviews addressing issues such as height, setbacks, sound and impacts on nearby residents.
The council approved a temporary ban on data centers in July, and the ban’s expiration date may be later than initially expected because the measure was published late. Saxum Investment Group LLC is the only company currently seeking to rezone more than 200 acres along the Forest Avenue extension for a data center and power plant, but its attorney asked the Planning Board to delay consideration of the request. Councilman Ashby Foote said the city has an obligation to establish rules while noting the potential revenue from the project.