Floyd County Commission enacts 80-day moratorium on new data centers

The Floyd County Commission unanimously approved an immediate 80-day moratorium on permits for new or expanded data centers. This temporary halt allows the county to refine and adopt a comprehensive ordinance for data center development within its Unified Land Development Code. Commissioners Scotty Hancock and Allison Watters emphasized that the commission has only voted on one data center rezoning previously, noting that the new regulations will provide necessary "guardrails" for future projects.

The proposed ordinance, which has been under development for a year, targets a final approval in August, following public hearings with the planning commission and the county commission. Key provisions outlined by County Attorney Chris Jackson and Rome-Floyd County Planning Director Brice Wood include limiting data centers to heavy industrial zoning and requiring a special use permit, ensuring public input and commission approval for each project.

Further standards in the draft ordinance address strict buffering, with a proposed 600-foot separation from homes and a 300-foot buffer from property lines. Developers will also be required to submit detailed studies on power, water, and broadband usage to prove utility capacity. Environmental and noise standards are a major focus, with decibel limits (65 during daytime, 55 at night), required sound barriers, generator restrictions, dark-sky lighting, and mandatory landscaping included. The ordinance also outlines enforcement measures, such as daily fines and permit revocation for non-compliance.