Savannah council discusses ordinance governing data center development
Savannah City Council held a workshop on an ordinance governing where and how large-scale data centers could operate in the city. The council previously approved a moratorium on data centers and is considering a process requiring resident input and special-use permits for future proposals.
Savannah City Council discussed developing an ordinance for large, hyperscale data centers following a moratorium approved several months ago. The proposed framework would identify areas where data centers could or could not be located and could require projects to obtain special-use permits.
Mayor Van Johnson said residents should have a direct role in reviewing proposals before approval. City Manager Jay Melder said existing, smaller data centers support hospitals, schools, governments and businesses, while the ordinance is intended to establish rules before a major project is proposed. No specific data center project is currently under consideration.