Planning defers consideration of Data Mining/Cryptocurrency ordinance - Pelican Post

The Ascension Parish Planning Commission recently reviewed six revisions to the parish's development code, which included a proposed ordinance to regulate "high impact development facilities" (HIDF), encompassing crypto mining and data centers. Planning and Development Director Eric Poche explained that the current code lacks specific provisions for such facilities. The ordinance, which was ultimately tabled without a return date, aimed to establish guidelines for the permitting and construction of HIDFs in unincorporated areas of Ascension Parish. It proposed allowing these facilities in Mixed Use (MU), Crossroad Commercial (CC), Heavy Industrial (HI), Medium Industrial (MI), and Light Industrial (LI) zoning districts, subject to minimum standards. Key provisions of the draft ordinance included a minimum lot size of twenty contiguous acres. Additionally, it outlined specific locational, screening, and mitigation requirements, mandating minimum separation distances from sensitive sites such as public and private schools, childcare facilities, hospitals, family care facilities, retirement homes, correctional institutions, and dwelling units. The deferral means the commission will revisit the matter at a later, unspecified time.