Louisville proposed data center regulations. Here’s what they say
Louisville, Kentucky, has released draft regulations for new data center construction, proposing amendments to the city's Land Development Code. These rules aim to limit data center size, address electricity capacity concerns, regulate noise pollution, and encourage water conservation. The regulations are currently open for public feedback before review by the Planning Commission and Metro Council.
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg's administration has unveiled draft regulations for new data center development, presented as amendments to the city's extensive Land Development Code. These proposed rules are designed to manage the construction of hyperscale data centers, which are currently unregulated in Louisville and Jefferson County.
The amendments categorize data centers into three sizes, limiting all new facilities to 500,000 square feet or less. The smallest, up to 50,000 square feet, would be permitted with restrictions in specific commercial manufacturing, research office, and industrial zones. Mid-sized facilities (up to 250,000 square feet) would be restricted to industrial areas and 'Planned Employment Centers,' while larger projects (250,000 to 500,000 square feet) would require conditional use permits and be limited to intensive industrial zones, such as Rubbertown.
Key provisions address public concerns regarding utility strain, noise, and water usage. Developers would be required to demonstrate that public utility capacity can accommodate a data center's needs without adversely affecting other customers' costs. Noise limits are set at 65 decibels at property boundaries, though the regulations do not cover infrasound. While water conservation through closed-loop cooling systems is encouraged, it is not mandated, and water consumption is not directly addressed.
Local officials, including District 19 Council Member Anthony Piagentini and District 3 Council Member Shameka Parrish-Wright, emphasized the need for public input before the regulations proceed to the Louisville Metro Planning Commission and ultimately to the Metro Council for a vote. Parrish-Wright expressed concerns about potential loopholes that developers might exploit, calling for 'anti-circumvention language' to protect natural resources.