Council to take up Lexington data center rules at work session. What the amendment says
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Planning Commission has recommended a zoning amendment to restrict data center development, including banning facilities larger than 40,000 square feet and imposing new requirements on smaller ones. The proposed rules, which also address water, energy, and noise, will now be reviewed by the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council, with public input still being sought. The council previously enacted a moratorium on data center development, pausing permitting until at least October 31.
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Planning Commission has recommended a comprehensive zoning ordinance text amendment aimed at regulating data center projects in Lexington. Following a July 30 meeting, the commission proposed banning data centers larger than 40,000 square feet county-wide and established new standards for smaller facilities, including a 25-megawatt energy consumption cap, reduced noise limits (30 decibels or less), and a 1,500-foot buffer from residential areas, schools, and hospitals.
The amendment also mandates additional information for data center applications, such as plans for stormwater management, water use, energy efficiency, and decommissioning strategies. These new rules apply to minor data centers (under 40,000 square feet and 25 MW) in warehouse business and light industrial zones, requiring impact assessments for transmission lines.
The proposed amendment now moves to the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council for review. Council member Liz Sheehan, chair of the General Government and Planning Committee, indicated that residents will have further opportunities for public comment before the council makes a decision. This regulatory effort began after the Herald-Leader reported that DartPoints acquired a former Lexmark property for data center repurposing.
Public sentiment expressed at the commission's hearing largely favored more stringent regulations, with many residents advocating for a complete ban on new data centers. Concurrently, the council previously enacted a moratorium on data center development, halting new permits and zone change requests until at least October 31.