Fulton County residents weigh draft data center rules, call for bigger setbacks
Fulton County residents are reviewing draft standards for future data centers and are urging the Area Plan Commission to require larger setbacks from schools, churches, hospitals and nursing homes. Residents also questioned whether facility size should be measured by square footage rather than megawatts, while the draft addresses noise, water management, energy efficiency and decommissioning assurances.
The Fulton County Area Plan Commission presented a draft ordinance establishing development standards for future data centers. The proposal would require large or hyperscale facilities to be at least 1,500 feet from schools, churches, hospitals and nursing homes, while also setting provisions for noise, water management, energy efficiency and financial assurances for decommissioning.
Residents asked commissioners to increase the proposed setbacks because of potential noise impacts and recommended using square footage, rather than megawatts, to determine permitting requirements. The commission said the meeting was for discussion and feedback, not a public hearing, and is continuing to consider the proposed standards.