Bowling Green City Commission to hold binding vote on data center zoning ordinance
Bowling Green city leaders are scheduled for a binding second reading vote on a proposed zoning ordinance to establish regulations for future data centers. This follows the recent rejection of a six-month moratorium on data center applications. The new ordinance would define data centers in the city's zoning code and set requirements for development.
The Bowling Green City Commission is set to revisit the topic of data centers during its Tuesday, June 16 meeting. City Manager Jeff Meisel clarified that, contrary to online misconceptions, the commissioners will not be debating another moratorium or delay on data center projects.
Instead, the focus will be on the second reading of a proposed zoning ordinance, Ordinance No. BG2026-6, which aims to establish regulations and development standards for future data centers within city limits. This ordinance, which previously received unanimous first-reading approval, includes amendments to Articles 3, 4, 5, and 8 of the city’s zoning ordinance and adds Appendix C, as recommended by the City-County Planning Commission. If adopted, it would define data centers in the city's zoning code and impose requirements related to setbacks, utility capacity, infrastructure review, cooling systems, generator operations, and decommissioning. Developers would be required to demonstrate sufficient infrastructure and bear the cost of upgrades.
This upcoming vote follows the commission's recent 3-2 decision against Municipal Order 2026-134, which would have imposed a six-month due diligence period on data center applications. Mayor Todd Alcott and Commissioners Sue Parrigin and Melinda Hill opposed the moratorium, while Commissioners Dana Beasley Brown and Carlos Bailey supported it. City officials emphasize that the proposed zoning ordinance, if passed, would establish regulatory rules for future data center proposals rather than approving any specific project. The new amendments are also being considered by the legislative bodies of Warren County and other surrounding cities.