Planning commission approves data center Cave City zoning change

The Joint City-County Planning Commission in Cave City, Kentucky, recently approved significant changes to the city's planning and zoning guidelines concerning data processing centers. The proposal, which came at the request of Cave City Mayor Dwayne Hatcher, aims to establish specific regulations for data centers, which are currently permitted in commercial and industrial zones without explicit stipulations. Planning Director Kevin Myatt explained to the commission that the new section 12.4.4 of the zoning ordinance would outline five key requirements. These include the ability for data centers to produce at least 50% of their own electricity, utilize self-contained cooling systems independent of the municipal water supply (unless coordinated with the utility), submit a decommissioning plan, and adhere to strict setbacks of at least 1,000 feet from residential zones and 200 feet from any property line. The proposal also specifies that data centers would only be allowed in heavy industrial (I-2) zones, primarily located in the western areas of town and the Chapatcha Industrial Park. Mayor Hatcher indicated that the goal is not to prevent data center development but to ensure that if opportunities arise, the city has guardrails in place. The planning commission's approval moves the changes forward, but the Cave City City Council must still cast a vote on the ordinance before it can be enforced.